As schools open, the American Automobile Association advises motorists to be on the alert for school-age pedestrians.

“Children get caught up in the excitement of the back-to-school season and forget to look out for cars,” said Cynthia Harris, spokeswoman for AAA of Northern California. “Many children have difficulty judging a car’s speed or distance. This puts them at great danger as pedestrians.”

To combat this danger, the AAA offers these tips for drivers:

• Slow down in or near school and residential areas. Stop at all intersections.

• Drive with headlights on, even in the daytime, so children and other motorists will see you.

• Watch out for safety patrollers, crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds.

• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.

• Use extra caution in adverse weather conditions.

• Pay strict attention near schools during morning and afternoon hours.

• Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.

The AAA offers these tips for parents of school-age children:

• Show children how to use the crosswalks.

• Teach children to look left and right before crossing streets.

• Teach children the meaning of traffic signals and signs along the road.

• Find the safest route to school, and walk the route with your children.

“Child pedestrian injuries occur more often in residential areas and on local roads,” Harris said.