As students head back to school, motorists should drive cautiously to prevent injuries and deaths among school-age children.

AAA urges drivers to:

• Slow down near schools, bus stops and playgrounds.
• Obey lower speed limits in school zones.
• Stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms.
• Never use a handheld cell phone while driving – it’s the law.
• Drive carefully in bad weather..

If you are walking:

Rules for Safeguarding Your Child

1. Walk On Sidewalks: Watch out for cars pulling into, and backing out of, driveways.
2. Walk On the Left Facing Traffic If There Are No Sidewalks: Staying to the left allows you to watch oncoming traffic and to get out of the way if necessary.
3. Cross Only At Corners: Avoid the dangerous practice of “jaywalking.” Cross at an intersection controlled by a traffic light wherever possible.
4. Stop And Look All Ways Before Crossing: If there’s no traffic light, wait until oncoming cars are at least a block away before crossing. A car may still be able to stop if it’s closer, but children are often badly frightened by “near” accidents.
5. Watch For Turning Cars: Children sometimes forget to look and unintentionally walk into the side of a turning vehicle.
6. Continue To Look Left, Right and Left Again As You Cross: It’s easy to miss an oncoming car.
7. Avoid Crossing Between Parked Cars: It’s almost impossible for drivers to see youngsters who enter the roadway from between parked cars.
8. Play Away From Traffic: Playgrounds, schoolyards and your own backyard are the safest places to play.
9. Be Especially Alert In Bad Weather: Rain, snow, fog and even umbrellas can obstruct vision. Also, drivers may be unable to stop quickly. Children should wear brightly colored and retro-reflective clothing.
10. Obey Police Officers, Adult Crossing Guards, and Traffic Signals: These “safety guardians” can greatly enhance a child’s safety when going to and from school.