With school bells about to ring, the auto club is highlighting risks from distracted students and drivers, and the growing use of e-scooters and bikes.
ROANOKE, Va. – As students across the Roanoke Valley prepare to return to the classroom over the next week, AAA is issuing a safety warning for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to be extra vigilant. The auto club highlights increased risks associated with school-day traffic, distracted students emerging from “phone-free” schools, and the growing number of young people using electric scooters and bicycles for their commute. Morgan Dean, a spokesperson for AAA, emphasized that a shared awareness is crucial to preventing tragedies on the road during the busy back-to-school season.
For drivers: Expect delays and new road users
AAA urges drivers to adjust their routines, anticipating delays caused by school buses and increased traffic. The most critical advice is to eliminate distractions and be prepared for the unexpected, especially in neighborhoods and near school zones.
Dean also pointed to the rising popularity of electric-assisted transportation among students.
“One form of transportation is becoming more common for students—and drivers need to give them space on the road,” Dean said, noting that many young riders may be inexperienced. “Give them some extra space.”
For pedestrians: Phones down, heads up
A significant point of concern for AAA is the behavior of students immediately after school dismissal. Dean noted that after a “phone-free” school day, many students immediately turn to their devices, creating a high-risk situation as they walk home or to a bus stop.
“Keep phones stowed and stay focused as they head to and from school,” Dean advised.
He stressed the importance of a simple, effective safety measure: “Make eye contact with those drivers.” This small step ensures that both the pedestrian and the driver have acknowledged each other before a student enters the roadway.
A shared responsibility for safety
Ultimately, AAA’s message is that safety is a two-way street. While drivers must remain alert for children, students also need to be aware of their surroundings.
“The return to school also means a return to risky behavior,” Dean said. He urged families to have conversations about these dangers to ensure everyone can “be safe on the roadways.”
