ORLANDO, Fla. – The American Automobile Association is urging drivers to stay alert on the roads as school begins to return this fall, supplying the public with a list of tips to prevent risky driving habits.
A news release issued Wednesday states parents driving their children to school should add 30 minutes to their morning commute because drivers running late are more prone to speeding, which endangers lives.
AAA says a resourceful tool for drivers to remember is to remember their ABCs:
A - Avoid distractions
- Stay focused on the road. No texting, eating, or multitasking while driving.
B - Be ready to brake
- Slow down and stay alert. School zones are unpredictable, so be ready to stop at a moment’s notice.
C – Check for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Watch for school zone signs, crossing guards, AAA School Safety Patrollers, and anyone walking or biking. Always yield and drive cautiously.
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A recent AAA survey states three in five Floridians regularly drive through school zones or school bus stops during their daily routes.
Of those polled, officials said 39% admitted to speeding in an active school zone and 30% admitted to using their cellphone while driving in active school zones.
To put in perspective the risk of distracted driving, nearly one out of five children killed in traffic crashes nationwide are pedestrians, according to AAA.
“Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said in a statement. “Now is the time to talk to your children about traffic safety. Discourage students from wearing earbuds or looking down at digital devices while standing at the bus stop or walking near traffic. Otherwise, they may not hear an approaching vehicle.”
To help parents teach their children proper safety when walking, biking or riding to school on a bus, AAA offered this advice:
For walkers
- Use sidewalks where available. If not, walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
- Make yourself easier to be seen by wearing reflective, bright-colored clothing.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to make sure the vehicle is stopping.
For bicyclists and scooters
- Always wear a helmet.
- Ride with traffic and use bike lanes when you can.
- Do not wear headphones so you can detect approaching traffic.
- Cross streets at intersections, not from between parked cars.
For bus riders
- Arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Stand five steps away from the curb.
- Wait for the bus to stop completely and for the bus driver’s signal before boarding.
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