Phoenix, Ariz. August 2, 2010. As Arizona school children end their summer vacations and return to their daily commute to school, motorists will see an increase in pedestrian, bicyclist and school zone traffic. To promote safety during this busy time, AAA Arizona offers some reminders aimed at keeping everyone safe.

“In Arizona, there were 3,513 crashes in 2008 involving pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs director for AAA Arizona. “As the school year begins, we urge motorists to exercise caution when driving through neighborhoods, parks and school zones.” 

To help protect children going back to the classroom, AAA Arizona encourages motorists to follow these safety tips:

• Walk around your vehicle before moving it, especially during morning and afternoon hours.
  
  
• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.
  
  
• Eliminate distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for two seconds doubles your chance of being involved in a crash. Avoid engaging in distracting behavior in order to be a safer driver and set a good example for young passengers and pedestrians.
  
  
• Plan Ahead. Leave early for your destination and build in extra time for congestion. Modify your route to avoid school zones and traffic.
  
  
• Drop children off on school property, not on neighborhood streets.
  
  
• Obey traffic laws. Drive no faster than 15 miles per hour in or near a school zone. Fines double when “STOP WHEN CHILDREN IN CROSSWALK” signs are present. In addition, remember that school zones are non-passing zones. Doing so is not only dangerous, but also against the law. Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students. It is illegal to pass a school bus with flashing red lights.
  
  
• Obey the crossing guard at all school crossings. Stop before reaching a crosswalk when the stop sign is in an upright position and the crossing guard and children are in the crosswalk. Do not proceed until the children and crossing guard have cleared the roadway.
  
  

In addition, if your children will be walking or bicycling to school, please remember to review these safety precautions with them: 

• Walk only on the sidewalk, and cross the street only at crosswalks.
  
  
• Avoid walking in front of, behind or between parked cars. Let them know that even though they can see the vehicle, the driver might not be able to see them.
  
  
• Stop at driveways to make sure no vehicles are coming in and out. A person backing out of a driveway may not see a pedestrian in the rear-view mirror.
  
  
• For bicyclists, discuss the importance of always wearing a bike helmet, and be sure the helmet fits properly.
  
  

To recognize those who’ve made the ultimate pledge to school traffic safety, AAA Arizona will also begin accepting nominations for its fourth annual Crossing Guard of the Year Award. 

“Crossing guards are vital members of our community because of their dedication to our children’s safety,” said Gorman. “They are up early every day to perform a valuable service, and we wholeheartedly appreciate their commitment.” 

School administrators, faculty, staff, parents, students and community members are invited to share why they believe their candidate deserves the Crossing Guard of the Year designation. Nomination forms can be downloaded online at www.az.aaa.com/news/CrossingGuardoftheYear.htm. Completed forms can be mailed to AAA Arizona, Attn: Public Affairs, 3144 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz., 85013, faxed to 602.776.0466 or emailed to publicrelations@arizona.aaa.com. Nominations must be submitted by March 1, 2011. 

Last year, AAA honored Lena Dougherty of Val Vista Lakes Elementary School in Gilbert, and Jim and Kathy Koellisch of Coyote Trails Elementary School in Tucson, with the award after receiving nearly 200 nominations from students, parents, community members and school faculty. 

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to more than 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.