Drivers Reminded of Road Safety as School Starts Up AgainDrivers Reminded of Road Safety as School Starts Up Again

9/2/14 - Over 55 million children across the United States are heading back to school, many of them today following the Labor Day holiday weekend. With 13% of those school children typically walking or biking to school, AAA is reminding drivers to be especially vigilant for pedestrians and bicyclists during, before, and after school hours. The afternoon hours are particularly dangerous for walking children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the highest percentage of fatalities among pedestrians under 15 occurred between 4 and 8pm (42%). AAA’s School’s Open – Drive Carefully awareness campaign was launched in 1946 in an effort to prevent school-related child pedestrian traffic crashes. AAA stresses the importance of safety and responsibility while traveling, encouraging not only drivers, but also pedestrians and bicyclists to stay alert and be safe while en route to their destination. Susan Hiltz, AAA Michigan Public Affairs Director says everyone needs "...to be extra cautious on this first day of school. Buses, car pools and changing traffic patterns present challenges to all drivers. Being alert and putting the safety of Michigan’s children first is of the utmost importance.”