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School's Open -- Bicyclists, Drivers Urged to Use Caution, Reminds Auto Club

15 September 1999

School's Open -- Bicyclists, Drivers Urged to Use Caution, Reminds Auto Club

    LOS ANGELES--Sept. 14, 1999--Bicycle-related auto crashes killed 16 children aged five to 15 and injured more than 3,700 in California last year, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
    The Auto Club warns that back-to-school means more children will be riding near traffic, which increases the risk of a deadly collision between a child and a motor vehicle. Walking can also be hazardous -- an additional 3,700 California children aged five to 15 were killed or injured in pedestrian-related crashes in 1998.
    "During the summer, drivers forget about school kids, bus stops and crosswalks," says 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. "If kids are biking to school, parents need to make sure the bicycles are in good condition. A poorly maintained bicycle with worn parts can really be dangerous for a child. We want to get the word out so we can reduce the risk of a tragedy."
    The Auto Club offers these key safety tips for children riding their bicycles to school:

--  Check the condition of bicycle to ensure it is safe to ride. 
    Brakes, wheel alignment, chain/chain guard, reflectors, seat, 
    pedals, handlebars, tires, axle nuts and bearings should all be 
    evaluated and repaired or adjusted as necessary.

--  Always wear a bicycle helmet.

--  Obey all traffic rules and signs -- always give proper hand 
    signals:

    Left turn: left hand and arm held straight out, pointing left;

    Right turn: left hand and arm held straight up or right arm held 
    straight out, pointing right;

    Stop: left hand and arm held straight down.

--  Watch for cars at cross streets, driveways and parking spaces.

--  Select the safest route to your destination and use it. Avoid busy
    streets and intersections.

     (Note to Editors: See below for more bicycle safety tips)

     "Whenever children are biking or walking to school, drivers need
to be alert and ready to react," said Dillman.

     The Auto Club offers these tips for 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. 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 while driving.

    The Auto Club provides free brochures on school travel safety through its local district offices.
    The Auto Club also offers its Bicycle Safety Testing Unit as a free public service to schools and community safety events. The unit's operator checks the mechanical condition of bicycles and provides a checklist of needed repairs. Those interested in reserving the unit should reserve a date as far in advance as possible by calling the Auto Club at 714/885-2084.
    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.

                  BACK-TO-SCHOOL BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS

-- Check the condition of your bicycle to ensure it is safe to ride.
   Brakes, wheel alignment, chain/chain guard, reflectors, seat, 
   pedals, handlebars, tires, axle nuts and bearings should all be 
   evaluated and repaired or adjusted as necessary.

-- Always wear a bicycle helmet.

-- Select the safest route to your destination and use it. Avoid busy
   streets and intersections.

-- Watch for cars at cross streets, driveways and parking spaces.

-- Obey all traffic rules and signs--always give proper hand signals:

   Left turn: left hand and arm held straight out, pointing left;

   Right turn: left hand and arm held straight up or right arm held 
   straight out, pointing right;

   Stop: left hand and arm held straight down.

-- Walk your bike across busy intersections.

-- Always ride with traffic and as close as possible to the right side
   of the road. Younger riders should use sidewalks when possible.

-- Always ride single file and watch for opening car doors.

-- Most bicycles are built to carry only one person. Don't carry
   passengers.

-- If you must ride your bike at night, be sure your headlight and
   reflectors are in good condition.

-- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

-- Be sure the roadway is clear before entering.