AAA Minnesota/Iowa's President Says, 'School's Open - Drive Carefully'

Guest Editorial by Jeff Ogden, president, AAA Minnesota/Iowa

BURNSVILLE, Minn., July 31 -- While parents are preparing their children for the new 2003-4 school year and children are saying good-bye to their summer vacations, back to school is important not just to them, but also to all motorists. AAA Minnesota/Iowa urges motorists to keep their eyes open and their minds alert in its "School's Open - Drive Carefully" campaign conducted in conjunction with local police chiefs throughout both states.

While many types of accidents or crimes may gather more media attention, the greatest threat children face today is motor vehicle crashes. When walking, cycling or as a passenger in a motor vehicle, these crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14. One-fourth of all children who die in these crashes are pedestrians.

Children are at a disadvantage in most cases because they are smaller and less visible to motorists. Furthermore, many of these kids have very little experience in dealing with traffic situations. Motorists should take extra precaution when driving in areas with school-age children. Often, motorists are distracted in their attempt to get to work on time and not focused on basic traffic safety practices.

If lack of time is an issue and causes a distraction, motorists should know that school children travel the roadways on a regular schedule. Adjusting your schedule by just five or 10 minutes can help you avoid busy pedestrian zones and frequent bus stops. Additionally, drivers should recognize that it is more difficult for a child to judge traffic situations because their peripheral vision is one-third narrower than an adult's. When driving in school zones, near playgrounds, or in neighborhoods where children play, be prepared for a child to dart out into the roadway. That way, you will never be taken by surprise and will be able to stop in time.

To help protect children, AAA urges motorists to follow these six safety tips. First, motorists should slow down in or near school and residential areas so that you have more time to stop in time. Second, motorists should drive with their headlights on -- even during the day -- so children and other drivers can see them. Third, motorists should look for clues such as School Safety Patrollers, bicycles and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area. Fourth, motorists should scan between parked cars and other objects for children who could dart into the road. Fifth, motorists should practice extra caution in bad weather when sight is reduced and stopping times are increased. Sixth, motorists should always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.

If all motorists do their share to keep their eyes open and minds alert, then this school year can be full of wonderful memories. Remember, back to school means back to basic driver safety. "School's open - drive carefully."

Jeff Ogden is president of AAA Minnesota/Iowa, which includes more than 700,000 members, and offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services.