Drivers Urged to Use Caution as Kids Head Back to School
28 August 2000
Drivers Urged to Use Caution as Kids Head Back to School
LOS ANGELES--Aug. 28, 2000--Back-to-school means more children will be walking or riding their bicycles near traffic, increasing their risk of a deadly collision with a motor vehicle.The Automobile Club of Southern California said nearly 3,400 California children ages 5 to 14 were killed or injured in pedestrian-related crashes in 1999.
"During the summer, drivers get used to seeing fewer kids near bus stops and crosswalks," said Arline Dillman, Ph.D., traffic safety manager for the Auto Club. "We urge all drivers, especially parents who are dropping their kids off at school, to be careful when driving to avoid a serious incident that might injure or kill a child."
"Kids are particularly vulnerable to being struck by a vehicle because their actions are unpredictable, and they are smaller, making them harder to see," explained Dillman. "Motorists need to slow down and be alert when driving in all residential areas, not just school zones where the speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Whenever children are biking or walking to school, drivers need to be alert and ready to react."
The Auto Club offered these safe driving tips for motorists:
| -- | Drive with your headlights on (even during the day) to increase your visibility to children and to other drivers. |
| -- | Get in the habit of recognizing school zones on your route. |
| -- | Stop for school buses flashing their lights, which means children will be leaving or entering the bus. Drivers approaching the bus from either direction must come to a complete stop. Even if the lights aren't flashing, drivers should slow down and use extra caution whenever they are near a school bus or bus loading zone. |
| -- | Look for clues such as bicycles, playgrounds, crossing guards and school buses that indicate children are nearby. |
| -- | Scan between parked vehicles and other areas where children are hard to see. |
| -- | Avoid using cell phones and other distractions while driving. The Auto Club also offered tips for drivers who pick up and drop off children at school: |
| -- | Buckle up all passengers -- it's the law. Children 12 and under go in the back. Remember the limit is one child per seat and belt. |
| -- | Drive at a safe speed. School areas can be hazardous, so stick to the maximum 25 mph speed limit when children are present. |
| -- | Learn and obey the right-of-way rules. Don't create traffic gridlock and be sure to yield the right-of-way when required. |
| -- | U-turn only if safe and legal. Avoid U-turns in school zones, congested areas or close to an intersection. Never block other traffic. |
| -- | Obey parking rules when you stop or park. Don't park -- even temporarily -- where it's illegal and don't block other vehicles. |
| -- | Use designated areas to drop off and pick up. Always pull to the curb and load/unload at curb side. |
| -- | Try not to stop across from the school. Send children to a crosswalk if you must stop across the street. Never direct or allow a child to cross unsafely. |
| -- | Have children cross only where safe. Marked crosswalks are best. Unmarked crosswalks at intersections are okay, too, but make sure it is safe before crossing. |
| -- | Walk with them if you park farther away. Parking at a distance reduces congestion close to the school. Use this time to talk to children about traffic safety. |
| -- | Cooperate with adults who are directing traffic. Praise children's good behavior for properly walking, crossing streets and checking for traffic. |
Each year the Auto Club distributes 100,000 "School's Open -- Drive Carefully" free bumper stickers to schools, parent/teacher associations, police departments and other safety organizations.
