Detective Richard Pedone (left) and Police Officer Matt Walsh, of the Garden City Police Department, helped to launch AAA’s “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign at AAA New York in Garden City with (left to right) Ryan, Michael and Chris Schwantner. Mark Kulewicz, Director of Traffic Safety, represented AAA at the ceremony. Detective Richard Pedone and Police Officer Matt Walsh of the Garden City Police Department have helped AAA New York launch its 65th annual “School’s Open – Drive Carefully” campaign by mounting traffic safety posters in the community.

Detective Pedone and Officer Walsh mounted a colorful “School’s Open” poster at AAA New York in Garden City on September 3rd to warn drivers to be extra careful as thousands of local youngsters return to school.

“The help that we get from our club-area police departments contributes greatly to the effectiveness of our ‘School’s Open’ campaign,” said Donna Galasso, assistant director of the club’s Traffic Safety unit. “We appreciate the efforts of Detective Pedone and Officer Walsh, which will result in safety benefits for all students,” said Galasso.

Ms. Galasso reminds drivers 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.