School's Starting - GM Motor Club: Drivers Be Alert!!!!
Southfield, Mich. - Cooler nights, shorter days - a good indication that summer is coming to an end. Soon, more than 52 million children across the nation will go back to school. Especially during this time of year, drivers need to be extra wary and watchful of tykes who may get into harm's way. According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, about 80 percent of all childhood pedestrian deaths are due to motor vehicle crashes. Because these accidents are most prevalent near schools and residential areas, GM Motor Club offers the following advice:
* Heads up in the neighborhood. Be much more careful when traveling through neighborhoods during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Children will be outside and may dart between two cars or play near the road at bus stops. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, especially posted speeds and school bus traffic laws.
* Cross with care. In cities and suburbs, many children walk or ride a bike to school. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign found that 65 percent of drivers monitored in a recent study were traveling over the speed limit in school zones. So SLOW DOWN when approaching intersections and school zones; be alert for children who may accidentally cross against traffic signals.
* Morning mindfulness. With the sun rising later in the fall, children - particularly if they are wearing dark-colored clothing - may be less visible. Morning commuters should drive cautiously in neighborhoods, notably between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. when children are en route to school.
* Share the road. Bicycles are often kids' transportation vehicles during the school year. Many ride their bikes along the side of the road, particularly in rural areas. Remember that bikes have as much right on the road as a car, so give them a wide berth if it is safe to do so. If not, slow down and proceed with caution. Be even more careful during inclement weather. Think of the consequences should you accidentally hit a child.
GM Motor Club provides nationwide, emergency roadside service and travel benefits to owners of any make or model private passenger vehicle. For a single membership rate, GM Motor Club covers the member, spouse and dependent children under the age of 21 living in the residence. Coverage includes 24-hour 800-number access; 24-hour service for lockout, flat tire change, emergency fuel service or battery jump-start; and "no-mileage limit" towing to the nearest repair facility. Additional services include trip routing, map services, travel discounts and ATM/rental car locator. GM Motor Club is protection anytime, anywhere, for anyone. For more information, visit gmmotorclub.com or call 877 GM MOTOR (877-466-6867).
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