AAA Western and Central New York has kicked off its annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign as back-to-school season is in full swing. AAA’s School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign was launched nationally in 1946 to help reduce the number of school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Now in its 74th year, AAA promotes the campaign to remind motorists to watch out for children as they travel to and from school.

The long-standing School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign garners support from community leaders. AAA held a press conference in Penfield on September 3 with its community partners including: NYS Senator Joseph Robach, NYS Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Monroe County Executive and the District Attorney.

“Disturbingly, a pedestrian is killed every two hours in the United States, on average, according to NHTSA,” said AAA WCNY President and CEO Tony Spada. “Soon millions of school aged children will be heading back to school eager to learn. It’s the responsibility of every adult to protect these precious students.”

“The State Police are pleased to be here to support the men and women who transport our children to and from school,” said Trooper Mark O’Donnell, Public Information Officer. “We will be working with our partners in law enforcement to ensure students are safe when boarding and exiting the school bus this year.”

"This week, our kids are going back to school,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter.  “With the increase in school bus traffic, drivers will need to give themselves extra time to make their morning and evening commutes.  The Sheriff’s Office will have extra patrols out during the next few weeks enforcing traffic laws.  We strongly advise drivers to be cautious when driving: slow down, don’t text and drive, and pay close attention to the road.  Don’t put the lives of our children, yourself, or others at risk trying to save a few seconds on your commute.”

“Now that school is back in session, it’s incredibly important for drivers to be vigilant about their surroundings. So much of our day-to-day activity happens on foot or on a bicycle, so we want to make sure everyone is alert and driving distraction-free,” said Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo. “Thank you to all of our partners, including law enforcement agencies and AAA, for their efforts in making this Back to School season safe for everyone.”

Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley offered advice to motorists, "We have seen tragedy strike before during this time of year. This is our plea to all the drivers on the road during this school year. Please keep your eyes open for children. Drive slowly on neighborhood roads. Do not drive distracted, whether you are texting or changing the station on the radio. Pay attention to school buses and crossing guards. If you do not follow the law while behind the wheel of a vehicle, you will be pulled over and you will be prosecuted."

The safety of children walking or biking to and from school is an extremely important message, as in the last decade, more than 25 percent of child pedestrian fatalities occurred after school, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. New York State averages nearly 300 pedestrian fatalities annually.