With the arrival of summer break, AAA is urging drivers to remain vigilant as children spend more time outdoors, playing, biking, and walking in neighborhoods and along city streets.
“Summer should be a season of fun, yet it also presents traffic safety risks,” said Molly Hart, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We encourage all drivers to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, especially in residential areas where children are playing.”
Statistics show that the risk of traffic incidents involving children increases during the summer months. Pedestrian injuries peak for kids aged 5 to 14, who are more frequently found in the vicinity of roads and streets.
To combat this, AAA provides the following safety tips for drivers:
- Stay Alert: Watch for children on bicycles, scooters, and playing in front of their homes.
- Obey Speed Limits: Drive at or below the posted speed limits, especially in residential areas where children might be present.
- Avoid Distractions: Put down your phone and minimize other distractions while driving to stay fully focused on the road.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and be prepared to stop when necessary.
- Role Model Safe Behavior: Parents are encouraged to teach their children about roadway safety, including how to cross streets safely.
“As summer activities ramp up, we all play a role in creating safer roads,” Hart continued. “By driving carefully and staying aware, we can help prevent deaths and injuries and protect young lives.”
***Courtesy of The Auto Club Group***
