AAA urges motorists to increase awareness as school resumes

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Schools will resume session this month and AAA is urging motorists to be aware of the young pedestrians returning to the roads.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in 2016 there were 140 pedestrian fatalities in Ohio; a 26% increase from the average taken from 2012-2016.

“As we get into the school year, motorists really need to pay attention and slow down,” said Kimberly Schwind, AAA spokesperson.

Research shows that school zones during active school times show higher numbers of young pedestrians being hit, according to Schwind.

“When we look at the ODOT statistics, the morning and the afternoon hours are especially dangerous. We see a huge spike around 3:00 p.m. when these kids are getting hit by cars and that’s exactly when they’re getting out of school,” said Schwind.

AAA suggests that motorists should eliminate distractions, pay attention to the road and slow down while driving. Schwind said a 10 mph difference in speed could mean the difference between a child’s life and death.

Students have also participated in keeping their peers safe through the AAA School Safety Patrollers program, that is now in its 97th year.

“These kids are amazing, there at over 34,000 schools across the country. You’ll see them out wearing their electric lime belts with their safety patrol flags and they work to keep their fellow classmates safe by not running out into the street,” said Schwind.

Currently, two schools in Muskingum County participate in the safety patrol program; John McIntire Elementary School and Zane Grey Elementary School.