Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Drive extra carefully now that school is open

by jmaloni

Submitted

Fri, Sep 5th 2014 03:55 pm

Submitted by AAA

The American Automobile Association has begun its annual "School's Open - Drive Carefully" campaign to remind drivers to engage in safe behavior in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

The increased hazards for youngsters are evident in statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Research from AAA and NHTSA shows:

•More than a third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods.

•Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 4 and every age 11 through 14.

•One-fifth of traffic fatalities in the 14 and younger age group are pedestrians.

•In the last decade, more than 25 percent of child pedestrian fatalities occurred after school, between 3 and 7 p.m.

"Protecting our youngsters from unnecessary harm is of the highest importance to all of us. We often forget that this change in schedule for our kids should also involve a change in habits for drivers," said Tony Spada, president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. "While children may not always remember to be safe at all times, your alertness may prevent a tragedy."

To help protect children, AAA urges motorists to follow these safety tips:

•Avoid distractions - Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Focus on where you're going, not on electronic devices or in-car technologies.

•Take your time - Allow extra time for school zone traffic or adjust your route to avoid it.

•Stop at stop signs -Treat a stop sign as you would a red light - come to a complete stop every time.

•Slow down - Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A difference of 10 mph can save a life.

•Brake for buses - Passing a stopped school bus is dangerous and against the law, so don't do it!

National Fuel project affects Wheatfield

National Fuel Gas Supply Co. and Empire Pipeline Inc., both wholly owned subsidiaries of National Fuel Gas Co., have initiated a federal regulatory review process for the construction of the Northern Access 2016 Project.

The project will transport regionally produced supplies of natural gas into the interstate natural gas pipeline system and will provide reliable supplies of energy to the northeastern U.S. and Canada.

As part of the project, approximately four miles of existing 16-inch pipeline with 24-inch pipeline in the towns of Wheatfield and Pendleton will be replaced; approximately 22,000 horsepower compressor station will be constructed in the Town of Pendleton, and a new natural gas dehydration facility will be constructed in Wheatfield.

The owners of properties along the proposed pipeline routes and the station facilities have been notified by mail.

More information about landowner rights and ways to become involved in this process can be found on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's website: www.ferc.gov/for-citizens/get-involved.asp. Questions about the project can be directed to National Fuel at 1-800-634-5440, ext. 7861.

Hometown News

View All News