Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group:
ATLANTA (July 21, 2026) — With more than 1.7 million children returning to classrooms across Georgia, AAA is calling on drivers to stay alert and exercise extra caution in neighborhoods and school zones. During the critical hours before and after school, all drivers are urged to reduce speeds, avoid distractions, and remain vigilant for pedestrians.
Child Pedestrian Safety Facts:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 64 percent of child pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2024 (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts) were struck during weekdays (6 a.m. Monday to 6:00 p.m. Friday). Afternoon hours following the school day are particularly dangerous, with children being especially vulnerable as they walk through residential areas and near school grounds.
“Georgia roadways are increasingly crowded during back-to-school season, and the safety of children traveling to and from school must be a top priority,” said Garrett Townsend, Georgia Public Affairs Director, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “Drivers should always be on high alert, particularly in areas where children are present.”
Since 1946, AAA’s School’s Open Drive Carefully campaign has worked to prevent child pedestrian crashes and keep students safe. More than 679,000 AAA School Safety Patrollers nationwide support this mission by encouraging drivers to stay vigilant in school zones, residential neighborhoods, and near school bus stops.
AAA offers essential traffic safety tips for keeping kids safe:
- Slow down and obey all posted school zone speed limits
- Eliminate distractions and keep phones out of reach
- Watch carefully for crossing guards and follow their directions
- Be prepared to stop suddenly near schools and playgrounds
- Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing through school areas
Bus Stop Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
- Stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop arm
- Remain stopped until the lights stopped flashing and children safely cleared the area
- Watch for students crossing in front of the bus
- Slow down near bus stops, even when buses are not present
E-Bikes and E-Scooters Present New Safety Challenges as School Begins
As students head back to school, e-bikes and e-scooters are becoming more common in school zones and neighborhoods. Their higher speeds create new safety concerns for riders, pedestrians, and drivers. AAA’s E-Ride Ready campaign helps families understand safe riding practices, helmet use, and the rules of the road. Parents can learn more by reviewing AAA’s free E-Ride Safety Guide.
AAA encourages parents to:
- Know the device’s speed and features
- Choose age-appropriate devices
- Require a properly fitted helmet
- Set clear riding rules
- Review local laws before riding
“If parents and other drivers follow these simple rules when driving in and around school zones, countless children can avoid injury and death,” continues Townsend. “It’s up to us to help all drivers become more aware of the risks of driving around schools.”
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