Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

DEARBORN- Michigan roads are about to get more crowded as millions of students and teachers return to school. AAA is launching its "School's Open Drive Carefully" campaign, reminding drivers to slow down, eliminate distractions and obey traffic laws when passing bus stops and driving through neighborhoods and school zones.

Drivers can expect an increase in:

Congestion – more drivers during the morning and afternoon commutes

Pedestrians – students walking to and from school or the bus stop

Buses – picking up and dropping off students

Bicyclists –traveling to and from school

"Drivers should have a heightened sense of awareness from the moment they leave the driveway," said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. "Students will be walking or pedaling throughout neighborhoods and alongside city streets, making their way to-and-from school or the bus stop. Many of them might not be looking for you, so make sure you're looking for them."

SCHOOL ZONES

According to a recent AAA survey of Michigan drivers:

53% drive through a school zone on their daily commute or regular driving route

Residents admit to doing the following risky driving behaviors at least once in the past 3 months:

40% admit to exceeding the speed limit while driving in active school zones

32% admit to using their hand-held cell phone while driving in active school zones

School zones are areas with extremely high vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Children on bicycles can be unpredictable and can make sudden changes in direction.

When driving through a school zone, lower your speed and increase your awareness, to ensure you can respond to any potential hazards on the roadway. Remember, in Michigan it is illegal to read, type or text on your handheld mobile device while driving.

SCHOOL BUS STOPS

According to a recent AAA survey of Michigan drivers:

46% encounter school bus stops during their daily commute or regular driving routine

Residents admit to doing the following risky driving behaviors at least once in the past 3 months:

26% admit to driving around a school bus while its red lights are flashing

25% admit to cutting off a school bus because it's driving too slow

"Driving around a school bus while its red lights are flashing is extremely dangerous," Woodland continued. "Oftentimes the reason people illegally pass school buses is because they are in a hurry. Please allow yourself extra time on the road, so you are not tempted to take unnecessary risks on the road that endanger the lives of children."

Motorists are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended. There is only one exception, which is explained below.

School Bus Safety Tips for Drivers

Prepare to stop when a school bus is slowing down and has its overhead yellow lights flashing

Stop at least 20 feet away from school buses when red lights are flashing

Slow down as you approach and while driving through school zones and residential areas

Look for clues, such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds, that indicate children may be in the area

Watch for children between parked cars and other objects

Safety Tips for Students at the Bus Stop

Children should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the school bus is scheduled to arrive. Parents should teach them to play it SAFE:

Stay a safe distance from the roadway

Always wait until the school bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board. Be alert and remove headphones so you can hear oncoming traffic.

Face forward after finding a seat on the school bus.

Exit the bus when it stops and before crossing the street take three giant steps from the side of the bus, then 10 giant steps ahead of the bus. Look to the driver for a signal to cross and then look left-right-left for cars before proceeding. Keep watching for traffic as you walk.

AAA's School Traffic Safety Summary

AAA – The Auto Club Group, through their School's Open Drive Carefully campaign, are reminding motorists to:

Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.

Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Children can move quickly; crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two parked cars. Reduce risk by avoiding distractions like using your cell phone or eating while driving.

Share the road. Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride. Find videos, expert advice and safety tips at ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.

Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one in four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get evidence-based guidance and tips at TeenDriving.AAA.com.