With schools open, police urge careful driving

NEW YORK — After a long, hot summer, kids are this week heading back to school, and that means drivers need to be especially careful when getting behind the wheel.

The American Automobile Association, commonly known as AAA, has launched its annual “School’s Open—Drive Carefully” campaign, and New York State Police are urging everyone to take note.

The safe driving initiative is designed to help preserve the safety of kids traveling to and from school.

The campaign was launched on Sept. 2 and continues through Oct. 14. It alerts motorists to the special risks to kids from motor vehicle crashes, which are the leading cause of death for children ages five to 14 years old.

And if you are alert on the road, you will also get an additional reminder — “School’s Open” bumper stickers will adorn state police vehicles, as well as other official vehicles, school buses and passenger cars.

While drivers should always exercise caution on the road, this time of year — with students heading back to school — is especially important as streets will be busier and more kids are crossing the road.

“As the summer season comes to an end, thousands of children will be boarding buses and walking to and from school,” State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said in a statement. “The New York State Police remind motorists to drive carefully and be especially aware of school speed zones, school bus traffic, and children walking.”

And with kids just getting back into the groove, drivers should “show extra caution when driving as schools reopen, since it is then that vacation-minded children are apt to be less careful,” according to a statement from the State Police. “Motorists should be particularly alert for children darting out between parked cars on busy streets.”