State Police remind drivers to be careful with schools opening

Press Release, NY State Police

The New York State Police urge everyone to support the AAA’s annual “School’s OpenDrive Carefully” campaign to help preserve the safety of children traveling to and from school.

AAA’s yearly “School’s OpenDrive Carefully” campaign alerts motorists to the special risks to school-age children from motor vehicle crashes, the leading cause of death for children from five to fourteen years old. The campaign begins Sept. 2, 2015 and runs through Oct. 14.

Motorists will receive an additional reminder each time they see one of the “School’s Open” bumper stickers on State Police vehicles, as well as other official vehicles, school buses and passenger cars.

“As the summer season comes to an end, thousands of children will be boarding buses and walking to and from school,” said Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico. “The New York State Police remind motorists to drive carefully and be especially aware of school speed zones, school bus traffic, and children walking.”

State Police also emphasize the need to show extra caution when driving as schools reopen, since it is then that vacation-minded children are apt to be less careful. Motorists should be particularly alert for children darting out between parked cars on busy streets.