Back-to-School Safety Alert Columbia County

AAA Sounds Alarm on Child Pedestrian Safety as School Year Begins

Columbia County School District

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In partnership with the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, local law enforcement, traffic safety advocates, and school districts, AAA-The Auto Club Group kicked-off its annual School's Open Drive Carefully campaign in Savannah before taking the message statewide. From July 23 through July 31, AAA will host five press events across Georgia to raise awareness of back-to-school traffic safety and remind drivers to slow down, stay alert, and watch for children in school zones and neighborhoods. (Harlem press event details below.)

All participants will be available for media interviews. For press conference agendas and specific details contact Montrae Waiters.

WHY IT MATTERS

As children return to school, AAA is reinforcing the importance of safe driving in school zones and neighborhoods, where young pedestrians are most vulnerable. 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 after school. Through its longstanding School's Open Drive Carefully campaign, launched in 1946, AAA is urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and help prevent child pedestrian injuries and fatalities before they happen.

WHEN:

SCHOOL’S OPEN DRIVE CAREFULLY, PRESS EVENT LOCATION:

Wednesday, July 29

10:00 a.m.

Harlem Middle School

424 Hawes Branch Parkway

Harlem, GA