Schools Open Drive Carefully!

AAA wants to make sure the roads are safe as kids head back to school. AAA, along with law enforcement and state leaders, kicked off its annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign.

Distracted driving is still at an all-time high. Here’s some safety tips from AAA for our drivers:

  • YIELD to pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks.
  • Always look for pedestrians. Especially before turning at a green light or making a right on red.
  • Do not block crosswalks when stopping at intersections. Pedestrians need a safe place to cross.
  • Stay Alert! Put down the cell phone! Distracted driving is dangerous. Give driving your full attention.
  • Slow down and obey the posted speed limit signs especially around schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods. Children may dart out in front of you. Expect the unexpected.
  • Be Careful when passing stopped vehicles. They may be stopped to let a pedestrian cross.
  • Share the road. It’s your responsibility to look out for others.

Here’s some tips for pedestrians:

  • Be bright at dawn, dusk and night. Carry a flashlight and wear something reflective.
  • Make eye contact and raise your hand when crossing.
  • Stay alert! Put down the cell phone! Don’t cover both ears with ear bud or headphones. Distracted walking is dangerous. Use your eyes and ears.
  • Use sidewalks when you can. No sidewalk? Always walk left, facing traffic.
  • Cross at intersections or crosswalks. Cars might not see you mid-block.
  • Obey the traffic signals. Cross on “WALK” or when the traffic light is red for the oncoming traffic.
  • Stop, Look and Listen. Look left, right, left again. Listen for cars and bicyclists.
  • Watch for vehicles that are turning left or right where you are crossing. Pedestrians have the right of way but be careful, drivers don’t always follow the rules or see you.

The campaign was launched 77 years ago to help reduce the number of school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

AAA Hudson Valley is dedicated to helping students learn important safety habits, including car and bicycle safety, regardless of their age. We have developed programs exclusively for school-age children that will help them stay safe long before they are ever behind the wheel.  

Traffic Safety Poster Program 

One of our popular AAA safety programs is the annual Traffic Safety Poster Contest. Each year, we encourage the creativity of school-aged children and teenagers while also helping them learn about traffic safety laws and practices. All poster submissions receive a token of appreciation. Winners of our Club Award, Merit Awards, and Honorable Mentions each receive gift cards.  Poster Program Contest information is now available for the 2023-2024 school year.

Get entry information and forms now.

Otto Presentations 

The key to getting kids involved in their own safety is making sure the information is presented in an engaging way. That’s why we have Otto.  

Otto is a lively, animated traffic safety robot designed to help children learn, remember, and practice important traffic safety habits. Otto teaches children about seat belt use, crossing the street safely, playing away from traffic, “stranger danger,” and the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike. 

Schools and childcare facilities may request an Otto presentation by emailing Otto.the.auto@aaahv.com or calling 518-426-1000 ext. 2442. 

AAA School Safety Patrol Program 

For more than 100 years, AAA school safety patrol programs have flourished in schools across the country by helping to protect student pedestrians and foster a sense of community responsibility for safety. AAA School Safety Patrol members are student volunteers who direct children, not traffic, in the name of traffic safety. Patrol members teach other students about traffic safety and serve as models for younger children, who look up to them. School Safety Patrol members: 

  • Complete training in traffic safety 
  • Protect students from the hazards of crossing roads and highways on their way to and from school 
  • Assist bus drivers in safely transporting students to and from school 
  • Teach fellow students about traffic safety 
  • Serve in other leadership roles under the direction of school officials 

Typically, teachers and principals appoint patrol members, who participate with parental approval. A teacher usually serves as the patrol advisor. Local law enforcement officers may also be involved with the school patrol. You can learn more about the history of the AAA School Safety Patrol

AAA Hudson Valley provides most School Safety Patrol materials free of charge to schools in our service area. This includes supervisor materials, student training materials, and recognition items. Schools may request information or Safety Patrol supplies by contacting our Traffic Safety team at 518-426-1000 ext. 2442 or emailing us at trafficsafety@aaahv.com. 

Safe School Bus Driver Awards 

Each school year, AAA Hudson Valley is pleased to honor exceptional school bus drivers who transport students to and from school safely, day after day.  

Each Safe School Bus Driver Award winner receives a plaque and a one-year free membership to AAA Hudson Valley. 

Congratulations to our 2023 Award Recipients 

  • Dean Teal – Berlin Central School District 
  • David Chase – Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District 
  • Thomas Fitzgibbons – Greenville Central School District 
  • William Buono Jr – North Colonie Central School District 
  • Rebecca Walker – Ravena-Coeymans, Selkirk School District 
  • Christopher Aldi – South Colonie Central School District 

For more information, contact the AAA Hudson Valley Traffic Safety Team at 518-426-1000 ext. 2442