AAA Western and Central New York, along with law enforcement and local leaders, has kicked off its annual “School’s Open, Drive Carefully” campaign as back-to-school season gets underway. With school buses back on the roads, commuters should give themselves extra time and be prepared for bus traffic. With many school districts facing bus driver shortages, all drivers are encouraged to be patient and use extra caution. Motorists should also be cognizant of less-experienced students drivers returning to high school and college.

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, 76 years later, AAA clubs across the country continue to promote the campaign annually to remind motorists to watch out for children as they travel to and from school.

“Pedestrian fatalities increased 13 percent last year, according to NHTSA,” said AAA WCNY Director, PR and Corporate Communications Elizabeth Carey. “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 New York State Trooper Mark O’Donnell, Troop E 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.”

"With the school year starting next week, our traffic unit will be out following buses around to make sure people are obeying the laws,” said Deputy Michael J. Favata of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.  “Please drive safe. Slow down. Give yourself some extra time, especially during the first two to three weeks of school as bus drivers are getting familiar with their routes.”

“This really is a community effort,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “We all share the responsibility of making sure the safety measures are in place to protect our children when they return to school. We need to make sure motorists are paying more attention and that they're stopping for flashing lights. Look for those red flashing lights and lowered stop arms on the buses, adhere to the school zone speed limits, watch for crossing guards, please work with the crossing guards to remain alert and distraction free at all times.”

For more information on traffic safety, visit www.AAA.com/TrafficSafety.