Freeport Police kick-off 2019 “School’s Open - Drive Carefully” driver safety campaign
Freeport, NY (August 26, 2019) - AAA Northeast launched its 74th annual “School’s Open - Drive Carefully” program at the Freeport Police Department. The program alerts drivers to be extra careful behind the wheel as children end their summer vacation and return to school. Police Officer William Luikart joined local school children to help AAA kickoff the program.
Drivers should be particularly cautious in school areas keeping their speed at or below posted limits and being prepared to stop, on both sides of the street, for school buses with flashing red lights as required by New York State law.
AAA’s annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign is conducted with local government and police agencies. “The help we get from police departments in our territory adds to the effectiveness of our ‘School’s Open’ campaign,” said Donna Galasso, Assistant Director of AAA’s Traffic Safety Unit. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Officer Luikart and the Freeport Police Department in helping to increase safety for all students,” Galasso said.
Thousands of posters, bumper stickers, and other educational materials are distributed through the program. AAA New York State’s “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” program began in 1945. Since then, it has helped to prevent injuries and deaths among children of elementary school age.
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit member service organization with 66 offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island providing more than 5.7 million local AAA members with roadside assistance, travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services.
Photo courtesy of AAA- Police Officer William Luikart launched AAA’s 74th annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign at the Village of Freeport Police Department. Also participating in the ceremony were local students, Kylie Noboa, Chase Noboa, and Lucca Noboa. Gerri DiSalvo, Traffic Safety Program Specialist, represented AAA.