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AAA

Auto Club urges driver awareness as classes resume

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As Florida students begin the school year, either virtually or in-person, AAA – the Auto Club Group is urging motorists to slow down and stay alert in both neighborhoods and school zones.

“This pandemic could create risky conditions on the roadway,” Mark Jenkins, Auto Club Group spokesman, said in a AAA news release.

“Schools are reopening in different phases and drivers may be unsure of where they’ll encounter students. Regardless, AAA urges drivers to be extremely cautious around school zones and bus stops. You should also treat neighborhoods like school zones, as students doing virtual classes could be outside at various times throughout the day,” Jenkins said.

Here are driver tips from AAA’s School’s Open-Drive Carefully campaign:

• Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster, according to AAA.
• Come to a complete stop. More than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Check carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
• Eliminate distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for just 2 seconds doubles the chances of crashing. Children can move quickly — crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging from between two parked cars. Do not use a cellphone or eat while driving, for example.
• Follow the law. Florida drivers can be cited for using a handheld device while driving through designated school crossings or active school zones. The noncriminal traffic infraction is punishable as a moving violation and carries a base $60 fine, which does not include court costs or other fees. Three points will be assessed against the driver’s license.
• Watch for school buses. Drivers are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arm extended.
• Watch for bicycles. Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least 3 feet of passing distance between your vehicle and a cyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wears a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride.
• Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and nearly one-in-four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occurs during the afterschool hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit AAA.com and click on the Community link.

Published August 19, 2020

Deadliest days ahead for teen drivers

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The combination of closed schools, canceled activities and COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, could prove deadly as teens take to the road this summer.

Nationwide, more than 30% of deaths involving teen drivers occur during the “100 Deadliest Days,” a period that runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, according to AAA – The Auto Group, in a news release.

Due to their inexperience, teen drivers are at a higher risk of crashes. According to the new AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index, about 72% of teen drivers, ages 16 to 18, admitted to engaging in at least one of these risky behaviors in the past 30 days:

  • Driving 10 mph over the speed limit on a resident street (47%)
  • Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway (40%)
  • Texting (35%)
  • Red light running (32%)
  • Aggressive driving (31%)
  • Drowsy driving (25%)
  • Driving without a seatbelt (17%)

To keep roads safer this summer, AAA encourages parents to:

  • Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior while behind the wheel.
  • Teach by example to help minimize risky behavior.
  • Set up a parent-teen driving agreement with family rules.
  • Supervise at least 50 hours of practice driving with the teen.

To support parents to conduct practice driving sessions, AAA is providing a free four-page guide to help parents coach their teens. The guide, “Coaching Your New Driver – An In-Car Guide for Parents,” can be found online at TeenDriving.AAA.com/FL/.

The auto group website also offers other resources, including how to set driving parameters with the AAA Mobile app.

Published June 17, 2020

A bit of help, for safety on the roadway

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As Floridians seek outdoor exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic, cities are seeing an increase in bicycling.

Members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office received a donation of 500 bicycle helmets to distribute to children and those in need. (Courtesy of AAA-The Auto Group)

While the American Automobile Association (AAA) urges residents to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it also wants to help to make sure people are safe when out on the roadway.

To promote bicycle safety, AAA-The Auto Club Group has donated 1,000 bicycle helmets to be distributed to children and others in need throughout Hillsborough County.

“School-aged children are staying closer to home right now, which means more time spent riding their bicycles. Florida law requires children 16 years and under to wear a helmet. Unfortunately, not everyone does,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman, in a news release.

That led AAA to partner with local law enforcement to ensure children can get a helmet if they do not have one, added Jenkins.

Recently, 500 helmets were delivered to both the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department. Deputies and officers are planning to distribute the helmet.

For information on how to fit a helmet, COVID-related tips, and general bicycle safety, visit AAA’s Bike Basics Guide at tinyurl.com/y7wdcexz.

Published May 13, 2020

Protect your vehicle while it sits unused

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Many cars will be parked in the driveway or garage for at least another month, as a result of the statewide Stay-At-Home Order urging residents to shelter in place, unless they are making essential trips, as outlined by the executive order.

According to a news release from AAA-The Auto Club Group, state figures show that residents already are driving less, in an attempt to ‘flatten the curve.’

“Leaving the car unused for an extended period of time could leave it vulnerable to problems with your battery, brakes and tires,” said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman, in the release.

“There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your vehicle is ready to roll when it’s time to hit the road again,” Jenkins added.

The auto group offers these tips for longer-than-expected parked vehicles:

  • Battery boost. Start your vehicle every couple of days to keep the battery at a full state and prevent deterioration. Let the engine run for a few minutes to recharge, then turn it off.
  • Tire pressure. Add 10 psi of pressure (more than usual) to each tire to prevent flat spots from forming on the tires. You can also move the vehicle a couple of feet periodically.
  • Windshield wiper placement. Prop up the wiper arms so the blades are off the windshield. This way the wipers will not get stuck to the glass.
  • No parking brake. Do not use the parking brake when storing the vehicle. The brake could become frozen, and the brake pads could rust the rotors or the brake shoes could distort the drums. For an automatic transmission, simply put the vehicle in park. For a manual transmission, put it in first gear or reverse gear and use wheel chocks to help hold the vehicle in place.
  • Sun shade. If your car is always outdoors and exposed to the sun, use a sun shade to prevent UV rays from deteriorating the dashboard and steering wheel.

Published April 15, 2020

Slow down, move over – for safety

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The American Automobile Association (AAA) is urging drivers to help protect the lives of tow truck operators and first responders, by launching the Slow Down, Move Over campaign.

The towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private industries combined — one tow operator is killed in the line of duty every other week in the United States, according to a AAA news release.

While all 50 states have Move Over Laws for emergency responders, which includes tow trucks, fewer than 30% of Americans know about these laws, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.

In Florida, the Move Over Law requires drivers to:

  • Move over as soon as it is safe to do so for any authorized vehicles displaying visible signs while stopped on the roadside.
  • Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing parked on the side of a two-lane road, and proceed with caution.
  • Change lanes if you can, or reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle on the side of a multi-lane roadway.
  • Slow down and maintain a safe speed while passing, if you are unable to move over due to road or weather conditions, or traffic congestion.

Failure to adhere to the Move Over Law can result in a $60 fine.

Drivers should Slow Down and Move Over for stopped vehicles, including tow trucks or wreckers; law enforcement; fire department; emergency medical service; Department of Transportation; and, utility and sanitation service.

For information on the laws, visit DrivingLaws.aaa.com.

Published February 05, 2020

Learn to share the road, for everyone’s safety

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According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), about 2 percent of deaths in motor vehicle crashes each year are bicyclists.

The American Automobile Association urges bicyclists and motorists to properly share the roadways, including bicyclists riding in the same direction as traffic and wearing properly fitted helmets. (Christine Holtzman)

Although child bicyclist deaths have declined over the years, deaths among bicyclists age 20 and older have tripled since 1975.

Florida leads the nation in bicycle fatalities. Of the 783 pedalcyclists killed in 2017 in the United States, 125 (16 percent) were in Florida, as shown by the latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

A recent AAA survey of Florida cyclists reveals that 36 percent do not wear a helmet; 56 percent ride with traffic, 21 percent ride against traffic; and 74 percent of those who ride against traffic do so because they prefer to see approaching vehicles.

As Ride to Work Day nears on June 17, the NHTSA and AAA offer these safety tips to those on the road:

Bicyclist safety tips

  • Ride on the roadway or shared pathways, instead of on sidewalks.
  • Follow the same road rules as other roadway users do, including riding in the same direction as traffic, and obeying all the same traffic signs and signals.
  • Signal all turns.
  • Wear a properly fitted helmet every time, on every ride.
  • Be visible by wearing bright colors during the day, reflective gear in low-light conditions, and use head and tail lights at night.
  • Show motorists the same courtesy you expect from them. Respect is a two-way street.

Safety tips for motorists

  • Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving.
  • Yield to bicyclists while turning.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots for bicyclists.
  • Slow down and give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
  • Give bicyclists extra passing room in bad weather.
  • Do not honk the horn at a bicyclist, as it could cause them to swerve into traffic or off the roadway.
  • Check for bicyclists before opening your car door.
  • Expect the unexpected from children on bicycles.

Published June 12, 2019

Florida agency offers safety tips for holiday travelers

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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there is expected to be an influx of events, as well as travelers heading out on the road.

To better prepare drivers for a safe and fun weekend, the Florida Highway Patrol is offering several tips for the road.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Florida is expected to have an influx of motorists on the road. The Florida Highway Patrol has several safety tips to help keep travelers out of harm’s way. (File)

With a 20-cent decline in Florida’s average gas price compared to last year, this is seen as an incentive for more motorists on the road, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The agency anticipates an uptick in the holiday’s traffic from last year – an estimated two million drivers statewide.

“Pasco [County] is a rapidly growing community,” said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol Tampa branch.

He noted that with the current traffic that already consumes Interstate 75 and U.S. 301, there will most likely be additional motorists coming into the county for the holiday.

Whether for an occasion or not, the No. 1 priority should always be wearing seatbelts before taking off, the sergeant mentioned.

“They’re the device that’s going to keep you safe, keep you inside the vehicle,” he added. “You have a lot of injuries that could be avoided if you put the seatbelts on.”

Multitasking while behind the wheel can be habitual for some drivers.

However, putting aside any distractions, especially those requiring the use of hands – such as a phone or food – is the best course of action, Gaskins recommended.

He also stated that while others in the vehicle may be preoccupied, the driver’s task should be solely focused on the road.

And, provided that there are other occupants with valid driver’s licenses in the vehicle, it is wise to assign rotating drivers when taking lengthy road trips.

This helps to lessen the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, Gaskin reasoned.

In addition, those who are the single designated driver on a long trip should consider taking frequent pit-stops to rest and replenish themselves.

The sergeant also noted that designated drivers should also be assigned to those who maybe intoxicated. If that individual cannot be accompanied by someone sober to drive, taking a driving service such as Uber or Lyft should be planned ahead of time.

Gaskin also emphasized that “a designated driver is the one who drinks nothing – not the least.”

With road rage as a reoccurring issue, the sergeant encourages motorists to exercise patience and prepare for a busier than usual wait time.

“If you see someone driving aggressively, back off – give them space,” he advised, also discouraging shouting or using obscene hand gestures.

One prevention method is for motorists to pre-plan their schedule, giving themselves extra leeway to reach their destination on time.

This lessens the need to race on the road and lowers anxiety, Gaskin said.

The sergeant assures that State Troopers will be working around the clock for the holiday as a DUI squad, but hopes that citations and arrests will not be an issue.

To report accidents or erratic behavior on the road, motorists are encouraged to dial *347 (FHP).

For additional tips or updates, those on Twitter can follow the Florida Highway Patrol at: @FLHSMV, or visit its website at FLHSMV.gov.

Published May 22, 2019

Florida aims to stop motorists from texting while driving

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign into law a measure that would allow tickets to be issued to motorists for texting while driving — as a primary offense.

The current law considers texting while driving a secondary offense — meaning motorists can only be cited for the offense, if they are initially pulled over for another violation.

A new Florida statute would constitute texting while driving as a primary offense. Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the measure into law, and if he does, it will take effect on July 1. (Christine Holtzman)

The Florida House passed a bill on April 29 to limit distracted drivers, several days after the Senate version of the bill was passed.

“We’ve been very happy with the Legislature passing the bill,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for the American Automobile Association (AAA). “This shows that lawmakers are dedicated to making the road safer and taking distracted driving very seriously.”

Jenkins said a driver is eight times more likely to be involved in an accident when texting.

If DeSantis signs the measure, motorists will be able to text while stationary, such as at a stoplight, and will be able use their phones for navigation purposes.

Talking on the phone will not be generally prohibited for drivers, but there will be hands-free areas, such as school or work zones. In these areas, devices such as Bluetooth would be acceptable.

In Pasco County, eight citations and 13 warnings regarding texting on the road were issued last year.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco expressed his approval for the bill, mentioning several key lawmakers who sponsored it.

“We thank Sen. (Wilton) Simpson and Rep. (Chris) Sprowls for their leadership in addressing the important issue of distracted driving. We believe this bill will help keep our citizens safe and look forward to it becoming law in the near future,” Nocco said, in a statement.

Florida is set to  join 43 states that have made texting while driving a primary offense.

Once signed by the governor, the law would go into effect on July 1.

The hands-free requirement while talking in zones would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, following a three-month warning period.

Published May 08, 2019

Car giveaway helps Pasco woman on her road to success

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Melissa Pack finally has a car she can call her own.

The Zephyrhills woman received the keys to a 2000 Hyundai Elantra at the United Way of Pasco County, in Land O’ Lakes, on Oct. 1.

Before she received the car, the 37-year-old had no personal means of transportation.

Spectators watched at the ceremony where Pack received the car, which came complete with a big red bow.

Melissa Pack is all smiles, as she sits in her Hyundai Elantra, which she received through Wheels of Success and United Way of Pasco County. (Brian Fernandes)

The gift was made possible through the collaboration of Wheels of Success and United Way of Pasco County.

Wheels of Success CEO Susan Jacobs offered a few words, before presenting the keys to Pack, who works as a cashier at the Lowes Home Improvement store in Zephyrhills.

Those celebrating the moment included Pack’s supervisor, John Chilbert; Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley; and Alice Delgardo, president of United Way of Pasco.

Chilbert was the one who worked behind-the-scenes to help get the car for Pack.

He took notice of his employee’s unwavering dedication, and the fact that Pack had never missed a shift and voluntarily worked additional hours. He also knew that she accomplished that without having her own transportation.

So, along with the Make a Difference charity, Chilbert referred Pack’s current situation to Wheels of Success and United Way to see what could be done.

“For every person we put in a car, we turn down 20,” Jacobs said. “We do about 50 to 100 cars a year on average.”

Established in 2003, Wheels of Success doesn’t receive government funding. It relies on vehicle and community donations.

Jacobs explained the importance of collaborating with other organizations, as about 80 percent of their car giveaways have been joint efforts.

Its partner, United Way of Pasco County, allocated grant money on a quarterly basis to help finance the car.

“We were able to, because of community dollars, grant them funding to do this,” said United Way’s Patty Sutton of the local support.

Through the partnership, Pack was put on the ‘Build a Life’ program, which is intended to help get drivers on their feet after having setbacks of some kind.

Pack will also receive evaluations to make sure the vehicle is up to par with its expected standards, and she has year-long roadside assistance with AAA through Wheels of Success.

In addition to giving her a way to get to work, the car is beneficial in other ways, too, Pack said.

“I’ll be able to get groceries easier, day-to-day things that people don’t think about when they have a car,” said Pack.

She realizes that it not only helps her directly, but it also has a positive impact on those who rely on her as well.

Before receiving the Elantra, Pack had to find a way to get her mother to her doctor appointments. Sometimes that meant borrowing a friend’s vehicle.

Sutton hopes the community understands that their generous donations ultimately help to make life better for people like Pack.

“You’re not helping an organization, and you’re not giving a hand-out. You’re helping an individual,” Sutton said.

Published October 10, 2018

Students ring in the 2018-2019 school year

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As a new academic year begins, students heading to Florida public schools will be welcomed to campuses that are now protected by armed security.

The Florida Legislature mandated the armed guards at public school campuses across the state in response to the Valentine’s Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland that left 17 students and staff members dead, and 17 others injured.

But, the additional security is just one of many changes awaiting students at schools across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Some students will be heading to entirely new campuses.

The North Tampa Christian Academy, is opening at 5619 E. County Line Road in Wesley Chapel. It will serve students from age 2 through 12th grade.

Union Park Charter Academy, a charter public school, is another new school. It is opening, at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., in Wesley Chapel. It is a kindergarten through eighth grade school, but this year will be serving only students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Meanwhile, in Land O’ Lakes, students and faculty arriving at Land O’ Lakes High School will continue to see a campus in the midst of a major makeover. There’s still a considerable amount of work left to do, but the project involves a substantial upgrade of the facility.

Students and staff at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills will find a campus that has already undergone a massive makeover.

And, while it’s not noticeable yet, Zephyrhills High School is gearing up to begin a renovation that also will breathe new life into the facility.

There are changes on the academic front, too.

Cypress Creek Middle High School, in Wesley Chapel, for instance, will have its first senior class.

And, Pine View Middle School, at 5334 Parkway Blvd., is starting the new school year as Pasco County’s first authorized IB Middle Years Programme World School.

The middle school has worked long and hard to achieve the distinction, dating back to May of 2015 when it became an IB candidate school.

In addition to that new distinction, Pine View also has been named a magnet school, which means that students who live outside of the school’s attendance zone can apply to attend the school.

On another front, Pasco County Schools offers a variety of enrichment programs before and after school for elementary-age children.

The district’s afterschool enrichment department also manages five other programs.

Two of those programs are funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers federal grants. Those programs are the STAR Academy, for elementary students; and DELTA Academy, for middle school students, according to the district’s website. Both are free and are aimed at academic enrichment.
The STAR Academy programs are located at Gulf Highlands, Quail Hollow, and Rodney B. Cox elementary schools. The DELTA Academy programs are located at Gulf, Hudson, and Raymond B. Stewart middle schools.

Two afterschool fee-based programs also are being offered at some district schools.

Beyond the Bell is an afterschool program for middle school students that incorporates homework assistance, sports, music, dance, leadership development and community service activities, the district’s website says. It will be offered at Charles S. Rushe Middle School, in Land O’ Lakes and River Ridge Middle School in New Port Richey.

Explorations will be offered at Wiregrass Elementary School, in Wesley Chapel. The program operates Monday through Thursday, from 4:10 p.m. to 5:10 p.m. The program includes a variety of enrichment activities for children, such as coding and robotics, dance, Spanish, and sports drills and skills.

School’s back in session: Drive safely
As school bells ring in another academic year, motorists and pedestrians are reminded to be cautious to help keep everyone safe.

Here are some tips for drivers from AAA, North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization:

  • Observe the speed limit. School zone speed limits are purposefully set low. Children are unpredictable, and may have difficulty gauging the distance and speed of an approaching car.
  • Look for AAA School Safety Patrollers. They’re a sign you are approaching a school zone.
  • Stop completely at intersections with stop signs.
  • Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading. Going around a stopped school bus is not only dangerous, it’s against the law.
  • Eliminate driver distraction. Keep your eyes on the road. Put your phone down, and keep an eye out for other drivers and pedestrians.
  • Plan Ahead. Build in extra time for congestion.

Published August 8, 2018