Auto Club: School's Open -- Drive Carefully; Motorists and Pedestrians Urged to be Especially Careful.

News/Travel Editors & Automotive Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2002

With millions of children heading back to school over the next few weeks, the Automobile Club of Southern California is reminding motorists to be extra careful around schools and school zones.

National figures indicate that traffic collisions are the number one cause of death and injury for children under 15 years of age.

"Motorists driving through residential streets need to be on the lookout for children walking on their way to school or their school bus stop," said Kathy Downing, manager of the Auto Club Driving School. "Parents and teachers can also help reduce injuries and fatalities by working together to teach children about safe walking and biking habits."

In 2001, California children under 15 years of age accounted for 29 percent of pedestrian injuries and 10 percent of the total number of pedestrian fatalities.

"Much of the danger comes from the fact that children are smaller and harder for motorists to see," Downing said. "Children sometimes make the mistake of assuming if they can see a car, the driver can see them."

This is the 69th year the AAA has conducted its "School's Open -- Drive Carefully" campaign. Each fall, the Auto Club makes available 100,000 bumper stickers to school principals and law enforcement officials reminding motorists to drive with extra care this time of year.

To help protect children, the Auto Club urges motorists to follow these safety tips:

-- Cross only at corners so drivers can see you.

-- Always use a crosswalk when it is available. But remember that painted lines can't stop cars.

-- Cross only on the new green light so you have time to cross safely.

-- Use the push-button when possible and cross with the "walk" sign only.

-- Look all ways before crossing, watching for cars that are turning.

-- Never cross the street from between cars. Drivers can't see you.

-- Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, if sidewalks are not provided, so you can see oncoming cars.

-- Use a flashlight or wear or carry something retro-reflective at night to help drivers see you.

Pedestrians should remember the following safety tips:

-- Cross only at corners so drivers can see you.

-- Always use a crosswalk when it is available. But remember that painted lines can't stop cars.

-- Cross only on the new green light so you have time to cross safely.

-- Use the push-button when possible and cross with the "walk" sign only.

-- Look all ways before crossing, watching for cars that are turning.

-- Never cross the street from between cars. Drivers can't see you.

-- Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, if sidewalks are not provided, so you can see oncoming cars.

-- Use a flashlight or wear or carry something retro-reflective at night to help drivers see you.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.