School Zone Safety Tips

The leading cause of death for children ages 3 and older

The greatest threat children face today is motor vehicle crashes. While walking, cycling, or as a passenger in a motor vehicle, these crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages three and older. As a community, we need to work together to create safer school zones for our kids during the school season and all year round.

Camarillo Car Care, a AAA approved auto repair facility for the past 25 years, and The Auto Club are proud to support the "Schools Open-Drive Carefully" safety campaign. This campaign is part of the national AAA Traffic Safety Program designed to inform and raise visibility of the increased hazards children face when driving or walking to or from school or school bus stops.

Camarillo Car Care and The Auto Club encourage motorists to follow these safety tips:

• Slow down near schools and in residential areas.
• Look for clues such as bicycles, crossing guards and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area.
• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs of children.
• Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.
• It is illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.

Some tips for parents:

• Load and unload children on the same side of the street as the school or school bus stop. Have children exit from curb side doors.
• Carpool to reduce the number of cars at the school or bus stop.
• Request school officials set up a pick up and drop off area.
• If your child walks to school, walk the route with them several times. Use these walks to point out traffic hazards, teach and practice safe walking habits and find the safest walking route.
• Do not double park, stop on crosswalks or block visibility for children or other motorists.