By Staff
Each Labor Day weekend, our police officials remind motorists to be alert and to try and prevent accidents on the road.
With the schools in Michigan opening following the holiday weekend, motorists also need to be aware of youngsters returning to school.
In their excitement often children are eager as their school bus approaches. Often, their judgment might be lacking as they tend to be focused only on their bus.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one-fifth of all children age 14 and under who died in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians.
Most often, these happen in the afternoon, when school is letting out.
It is up to motorists to be especially vigilant during the early morning hours and when children are returning from school.
Be sure to stop for school buses which are loading and unloading.
Come to a complete stop at stop signs.
Motorists should watch out not only in school zones, but also near playgrounds and community parks.
AAA Michigan also recommends turning on your headlights, even in the daylight, so children and other drivers can see you.
It only takes a moment to be extra careful and it may save the life of a child.