PWPD Helps Launch 'Drive Carefully' Campaign

With students heading back to school Monday, Sept. 9, Port Washington Police and AAA are reminding motorists to drive carefully.

AAA’s 68th annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” is already underway in Port Washington, thanks to the efforts of Police Commissioners Angela Mullins, Dave Franklin, Deputy Chief Ron DeMeo and Deputy Chief  Brian Staley,  along with the local school children from the Port Washington Community Action Council summer program.

Look for colorful “School’s Open” posters in Port Washington to warn motorists to be extra careful as thousands of local youngsters return to school.

The campaign aims to increase safety for all students, said Donna Galasso, assistant director of the club’s Traffic Safety unit, in a statement.

“The help and support that we get from our club-area police departments adds to the effectiveness of our ‘School’s Open’ campaign,” she said.  

Drivers, including bicyclists, are reminded 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 program has helped prevent injuries and deaths among children of elementary school age, according to AAA.