DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – AAA is urging both adult and teen drivers to pay attention when driving near school zones. AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe said drivers need to pay particularly close attention before and after school; which are prime times for accidents. He said over one third of child pedestrian fatalities happen near 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“Drivers please slow down…speed limits are there in school zones for a reason. Eliminate distractions. Of course, you want to do this every day but especially now that the kids are back to school,” said Shupe. AAA statistics show that car crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers in the United States.
Shupe said that is why it is important for drivers to be vigilant about obeying the speed limit. It could mean life or death. “A pedestrian struck by a vehicle going 25 miles per hour is nearly two thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle going 10 miles per hour faster,” said Shupe.
He said younger children tend to be more distracted and are prone to crossing the road unexpectedly and darting in and out of cars. Shupe wants drivers to take the initiative and eliminate any distractions behind the wheel. He advised anyone driving in school zones to watch out for kids, bicycles, school buses and the speed limit so that everyone gets home safe.
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