Now that school is back in session, authorities are urging drivers to be more cautious on the roads. Don Redman with the American Automobile Association says now that summer is over, motorists should be on alert as kids will be walking along roads before and after school.
“Whether they’re catching the bus, walking to school and in some cases in high school where they’re driving to school. So we need to take special precautions.”
Redman says the first step drivers can take is to slow down in school and residential zones. He says drivers also need to take special care to keep their hands on the wheel on not on their phone.
“Eliminate all those distractions and keep your attention on the traffic, again with that many kids running back and forth to the school, in and around campus, it just makes for a dangerous situation.”
The use of any handheld device in a school zone is prohibited even to engage in a phone call. “Hands-free zone” signs have been posted throughout the state. Redman says fines are doubled when in a school zone and cops will be out there. He says parents need to talk to their teen drivers about being vigilant and watch out for children walking and riding bicycles.
“If you have a teenager who is going to be driving, they need to be extra safe, as well. We’re talking about crashes that go up precipitously whenever there is a teen passenger in with a teen driver.”
