LBPD Helps Launch AAA's 'School’s Open–Drive Carefully' Campaign

The Long Beach Police Department is taking part in the AAA’s “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign, now in its 67^th year.

LBPD Lt. Philip Ragona and Sgt. Mark Stark, along with local school children, will help launch the program in the city by mounting colorful “School’s Open” posters in Long Beach to warn motorists to be extra careful as thousands of local youngsters return to school, according to AAA.

“The help that we get from our club-area police departments adds to the effectiveness of our ‘School’s Open’ campaign,” said Donna Galasso, assistant director of AAA’s Traffic Safety unit.  “We appreciate the efforts of Lieutenant Ragona and Sergeant Stark, which will result in increased safety for all students.”

Galasso reminds drivers, including bicyclists, to be especially 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 and stop arms, as required by New York State law.

The club’s annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign is conducted with local government and police agencies.  Thousands of posters, bumper stickers and other educational materials are distributed through the program.

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AAA New York State’s “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” program began in 1945, with the goal to help prevent injuries and deaths among children of elementary school age.

AAA New York, the local AAA affiliate, provides automotive, travel and financial services to more than 1.6 million members in New York City, and in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Herkimer and parts of Lewis, Madison and Oneida counties.