As students across Chattooga County return to the classroom today, AAA is reminding motorists to use extra caution in school zones and residential neighborhoods where children will be walking, biking and boarding school buses.

The safety reminder comes as part of AAA’s long-running School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign, which has encouraged safe driving around schools since 1946.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 64% of child pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 were struck on weekdays, with the greatest risk occurring during the afternoon hours when children are leaving school and heading home.

AAA encourages drivers to reduce their speed in school zones, obey crossing guards and school bus stop laws, eliminate distractions such as cell phones, and remain especially alert for children who may unexpectedly enter the roadway.

Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about pedestrian safety, including using crosswalks whenever possible, looking both ways before crossing the street, and avoiding distractions while walking.

With thousands of local students returning to class today, transportation officials hope every driver will do their part to ensure a safe start to the new school year.