With Schools Open, AAA Chicago Urges Motorists to Drive Carefully

AURORA, Ill., Aug. 19 -- As children head back to school, AAA Chicago urges motorists to keep their eyes open and their minds alert during its "School's Open - Drive Carefully Campaign."

More than 20,000 special posters have been distributed to police stations in Illinois and Indiana reminding motorists to drive carefully in school zones. In addition, Illinois Governor George Ryan and Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon have declared the week of Aug. 26 as "School's Open-Drive Carefully" week.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 14 years of age and under with 2,343 deaths in 2000. One-fourth of all children who die in these crashes are pedestrians. Overall, one pedestrian is killed every two hours in the U.S.

"Everyone needs to take extra precaution during this hectic time of the year," said Steve Nolan, Spokesman for AAA Chicago. "Often, parents can become distracted by excited children and trying to get to work on time. This may cause some drivers not to be focused on basic traffic safety practices."

Motorists should recognize that school children travel the roadways on a regular schedule. Adjusting your schedule by just five or ten minutes can help you avoid busy pedestrian zones and frequent bus stops.

Drivers also should recognize that most children have very little experience in dealing with difficult traffic situations. To help protect children, AAA urges motorists to follow these safety tips:

-- Slow down in or near school and residential areas. -- Drive with your headlights on -- even during the day -- so children and other drivers can see you. -- Look for clues such as School Safety Patrollers, bicycles, and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area. -- Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road. -- Practice extra caution in bad weather. -- Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.

AAA Chicago is a non-profit, tax paying membership organization serving more than 800,000 members and the general public in Illinois and Northern Indiana. AAA Chicago provides automotive, insurance, travel and financial services, and is a member of The Auto Club Group.