AAA Chicago Reminds Motorists to Be on Alert as Schools Open

AURORA, Ill., Aug. 21, 2006 -- As students return to school, AAA Chicago reminds motorists to slow down and watch out for school-age pedestrians.

"Children get caught up in the excitement of 'back-to-school' season and forget to look out for cars," said Beth Mosher, spokesperson for AAA Chicago. "Many youngsters have trouble making accurate judgments about traffic speed and distance, so drivers have to be particularly aware."

One-fifth of all children 14 years of age and younger who die in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These pedestrian fatalities are more likely to happen in the afternoon hours, when school is letting out.

AAA's School's Open - Drive Carefully campaign encourages motorists to stay alert in areas where children are present, paying special attention during the morning and afternoon hours while children are coming to and from school. Drivers should look out for children who may dart out into the street near school zones, playgrounds, bus stops, and in neighborhoods. School-age children can be especially vulnerable in areas with heavy traffic volume, parked vehicles on the street, higher posted speed limits, and few pedestrian- control devices.

As part of the School's Open - Drive Carefully campaign, Chicago offers drivers tips to keep school children safe:

  -- Studies show that more than one-third of motorists in school zones or
     neighborhoods just "roll through" intersections with a stop sign. Slow
     down in or near school and residential areas, and be sure to come to a
     complete stop in all intersections.
  -- Drive with your headlights on -- even during the day -- so children and
     other drivers can see you.
  -- Look for clues such as AAA School Safety Patrol(TM) members, crossing
     guards, bicycles, and playgrounds which 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 adverse weather conditions.
  -- Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon
     hours.
  -- Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students.

"Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings, but especially around children," said Mosher. "Remember: school's open - drive carefully."

Formed in Chicago in 1906, AAA Chicago celebrates its centennial in 2006. For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our website at http://www.aaa.com/ or call 1-866-YOUR-AAA (968-7222).

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 850,000 members throughout Illinois and northern Indiana. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with approximately 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization with more than 48 million members in the United States and Canada.