AAA Western and Central New York (WCNY), along with law enforcement and community partners, has kicked off its annual “School’s Open, Drive Carefully” campaign as back-to-school season gets underway. With school buses headed back on the roads, commuters should give themselves extra time in coming weeks and be prepared for bus traffic. Drivers should also be patient with less experienced student drivers returning to high school and college.

AAA's School's Open, Drive Carefully campaign was launched 80 years ago, in 1946, to help reduce school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Eight decades later, that mission remains as important as ever.

“With constant distractions behind the wheel and today’s drivers always in a rush, it’s more imperative than ever to get the safety message out as summer winds down and a new school year awaits,” said AAA Western and Central New York President and CEO Marke Dickinson.

“Safe driving plays a critical role in protecting students as they travel to and from school. Drivers should be especially alert because children can be unpredictable and difficult to see,” said AAA WCNY Communications Specialist Valerie Puma. “We're grateful to our partners in law enforcement and traffic safety who help reinforce that message.”

Sgt. James Dean shared tips from the Town of DeWitt Police Department. “Our message is simple: slow down, stay focused, and make safe choices so everyone gets home safely,” he said. “Parents should reinforce safe habits by reviewing bus stop procedures, practicing safe street crossings, and reminding children to stay alert near roadways.”

The Onondaga County Traffic Safety Advisory Board (OCTSAB) participated in the event and shared reminders from the traffic safety board. “Next week, schools in Onondaga County will be opening, and school zone speed limits are going to be in effect on school days generally from 7am to 6pm,” said Patricia Wortley, OCTSAB Chair. “Our law enforcement partners will be out monitoring school zones and issuing warnings as well as tickets for speeding in a school zone. We all need to be mindful of increased pedestrian traffic in our neighborhoods and around schools.”

As school resumes, AAA reminds drivers to learn their ABCs of safety:

• A – Avoid distractions
• B – Brake for school buses
• C – Check for pedestrians

AAA's commitment to school safety extends beyond drivers with the AAA School Safety Patrol program, which allows students to take an active role in protecting their classmates and serving as leaders in their schools with a goal of creating safe driving habits that last a lifetime. Founded more than 100 years ago, in 1920, the nationwide program has been adopted around the world. AAA WCNY provides safety materials to schools across the region. For more information, visit www.AAA.com/SafetyPatrol.