Safety is a top concern among several organizations this month. AAA Western and Central New York supports several efforts to keep consumers, homeowners and motorists safe. Here’s a sampling of some current campaigns that are crossing over today and throughout the month:

October is Distracted Driving Awareness Month – normally held in April, the National Safety Council moved the monthlong event to raise awareness of distracted driving to October this year due to the pandemic. AAA will release details throughout the month, but it’s important to know that nearly 3,000 people are killed in distracted driving crashes every year. It’s time for motorists to disconnect and drive.

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been running messaging tied into distracted driving with the message U Drive. U Text. U Pay. AAA is a proud supporter.

NHTSA is also recognizing Rail Crossing Safety this week. Injuries and deaths occur at railroad crossings every day, but most of these tragedies are preventable. Motorists should realize that trains always have the right of way.

National Fire Prevention Week kicked off on October 8. Our Insurance division reminds homeowners to check and replace batteries in smoke detectors, invest in a fire extinguisher for the home, and review your family’s escape plan with every member of the household. AAA Insurance Agents are available for homeowners who want to review their policies to ensure they are adequately covered.

October is Car Care Month – AAA will provide additional details this month, but motorists should prepare their vehicles now BEFORE winter arrives – being proactive can go a long way in preventing a roadside breakdown. AAA reminds motorists to make it a safe B-E-T by having batteries, engines and tires checked over.

October is also the first ever Pedestrian Safety Month – this ties into distracted driving, and with more pedestrians taking advantage of social distancing and fall foliage – it’s important for drivers, walkers and joggers to be alert to prevent tragedies. In 2018, there were 6,283 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. This equates to a traffic-related pedestrian death every 84 minutes.

October 19 is National Move Over Day – all 50 states now have a Slow Down, Move Over law, but 71 percent of Americans say they don’t even know about it. In New York, motorists are required to slow down, and when it’s safe move over, when they see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road.