Summer break from school is in full swing in the region. With that in mind, AAA urges drivers to watch for children spending more time outdoors, playing, biking and walking along streets and roadways.

“Summer should be a season of fun, yet it also presents traffic safety risks,” Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said in a news release. “We encourage all drivers to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, especially in residential areas where children are playing.”

Statistics show that the risk of traffic incidents involving children increases during the summer months. Pedestrian injuries peak for kids age 5 to 14, who are more frequently found in the vicinity of roads and streets.

To combat this, AAA recommends drivers —

— Stay alert: Watch for children on bicycles, scooters and playing in front of their homes.

— Obey speed limits: Drive at or below the posted speed limits, especially in residential areas where children might be present.

— Avoid distractions: Put down the cell phone and minimize other distractions while driving to stay fully focused on the road.

— Yield to pedestrians: Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and be prepared to stop when necessary.

— Role model safe behavior: Adults are encouraged to teach children about roadway safety, including how to cross streets safely.

“As summer activities ramp up, we all play a role in creating safer roads,” Woodland added. “By driving carefully and staying aware, we can help prevent deaths and injuries and protect young lives.”