New Jersey Drivers Urged to be Careful as Schools Re-Open

RED BANK, N.J., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Drivers in New Jersey have a responsibility to help keep the more than 1 million schoolchildren in the state safe as they head back to school this month. Careful driving can keep students safe, plus it may help drivers avoid fines and hold down their auto insurance rates.

According to the New Jersey Department of Education website, there were about 1.37 million pupils enrolled statewide last year in elementary, secondary and charter schools. There are about 2,000 elementary schools and 412 secondary schools statewide. This means that wherever a driver goes in New Jersey, there's a good chance they won't be far from one.

When school is in session, the morning and early afternoon will feature the heaviest traffic on most days as the students either walk or get rides. Further adding to the traffic is the nearly 113,000 teachers who work in the state's school system.

The AAA of New Jersey website notes that children tend to be less visible to motorists than adults, and are not always capable of making sound judgments - which means that some may be inclined to engage in unsafe behavior like darting into the road or crossing the street at unsafe spots, to name a few things.

The automotive organization also reminds motorists that children can be more distracted and can also find it more difficult to judge traffic conditions, which are just additional reasons for drivers to be extra cautious during the school year.

As part of its annual School's Open - Drive Carefully! Campaign, AAA advises motorists to keep their lights on at all times and to be extra careful during bad weather. Drivers are also reminded to always stop for school buses and to be alert for children when navigating in parking lots and near parks.

Elsewhere, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reminds parents of some safety steps they can take to reduce their child's risk while walking to school. For example, children should be dressed in bright colors that make it easier for motorists to spot them, says the group.

Parents are also advised by the AAP to be sure there are trained crossing guards at every intersection on their child's route to school, and to be realistic when trying to determine whether their younger children have the basic judgment and ability to walk to school.

High Point Auto Insurance (www.highpointins.com) is based in Red Bank, NJ and is one of the largest auto insurance companies exclusively serving New Jersey customers. High Point Auto Insurance is a Plymouth Rock managed company and coverages are underwritten by High Point Property and Casualty Insurance Company. Get your free quote on New Jersey car insurance.

SOURCE High Point Auto Insurance