Motorists reminded to be alert

With students back in school, motorists need to slow down and watch out for school-age pedestrians.

"Children get caught up in the excitement of 'back-toschool' season and forget to look out for cars," said Greg Seiter with AAA Hoosier Motor Club. "Many youngsters have trouble making accurate judgments about traffic speed and distance, so drivers have to be particularly aware."

One-fifth of all children 14 years of age and younger who die in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These pedestrian fatalities are more likely to happen in the afternoon hours, when school is letting out.

Drivers are reminded to look out for children who may dart out into the street near school zones, playgrounds, bus stops, and in neighborhoods. School-age children can be especially vulnerable in areas with heavy traffic volume, parked vehicles on the street, and higher posted speed limits.

AAA Hoosier Motor Club offers the following tips to drivers in order to help keep school children safe:

*Studies show that more than one-third of motorists in school zones or neighborhoods just "roll through" intersections with a stop sign. Slow down in or near school and residential areas, and be sure to come to a complete stop in all intersections.

*Drive with your headlights on, even during the day, so children and other drivers can see you.

*Look for clues such as crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds which indicate children could be in the area.

*Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.

*Practice extra caution in adverse weather conditions.

*Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours.

*Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students.

Remember that school is in session, so drive carefully.