'Drive Safely' Campaign in Full Swing in Port Washington

Police Commissioners Angela Mullins, Dave Franklin and Jim Duncan, along with the  and local school children, helped AAA New York launch its 67th annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign.

Colorful “School’s Open” signs are posted throughout Port Washington, serving as a warning motorists to be extra careful as thousands of local youngsters return to school.

“The help and support 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 the club’s traffic safety unit.  

She added that the efforts of the Port Washington Police would help result in "increased safety for all students.” 

Drivers, including bicyclists should 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, Galasso noted.

The club’s annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign is conducted with local government and police agencies.  In New York, the program began in 1945, and, according to AAA, has assisted in preventing injuries and deaths among children of elementary school age.