School Safety Patrol. For more than 75 years, AAA has supported the School Safety Patrol Program, which instills students with a sense of responsibility and leadership as each day they protect classmates going to and from school. This support has resulted in the production of a number of products such as the distinctive green Sam Browne belt worn by nearly 500,000 patrols in 50,000 schools. The largest safety program in the world, the school safety patrol in 1985 received the Presidential Citation for private sector initiatives.

Since 1920, patrols have gone on to become U.S. presidents, governors, congressmen, Supreme Court justices, astronauts and Olympic gold medalists.

School Safety Patrol Lifesaving Award. In 1949, AAA instituted its School Safety Patrol Lifesaving Award program to recognize patrols who, while on duty, risked their lives to save the lives of their classmates.

Prospective recipients of this prestigious award are nominated by schools and AAA clubs. A panel of national traffic safety and education experts select those most deserving.

Some 337 students have been recognized for their extraordinary achievements by some of the country's most prestigious leaders including two recent U.S. presidents who also were school safety patrol members, first ladies, U.S. Supreme Court justices, Cabinet members and astronauts.

Free-Loan Safety Videos. AAA's safety videos are offered to community groups, police and safety agencies as well as individuals ranging in subject from pedestrian safety to advance driving techniques. View a catalog listing.

National School Traffic Safety Poster Program. Introduced in 1945, AAA's National School Traffic Safety Poster Program encourages students to develop a greater awareness of traffic hazards by creating posters with traffic safety themes. From the 1,000 posters submitted in 1945, the contest has grown to more than 50,000 entries from elementary and junior high students in the United States and Canada. Winners receive U.S. Savings Bonds.

Senior High Communication Contest. Since 1996, high school students have submitted safety messages in graphic arts, written or audiovisual format in addition to the traditional hand-drawn poster art. This program provides an opportunity to educate an age group that is significantly over-represented in traffic crashes.

Traffic Safety Education Materials. Each year, AAA distributes millions of pieces of traffic safety materials to U.S. and Canadian schools. The materials are designed to teach students important traffic safety principles.

AAA also distributes a number of publications addressing driver and traffic safety issues. Topics include occupant protection; bicycle safety; traffic signs, signals and markings; driving in inclement weather and preschool and older-pedestrian safety.

Safety Belt Use. Despite decades of effort, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for most Americans, representing more than $160 billion in annual costs. Wearing a safety belt is the single most important thing motorists can do to protect themselves in a crash. Through programs such as The Back is Where Its At and support of Buckle Up America! Week, AAA continually promotes and encourages all vehicle occupants to wear safety belts.

School's Open, Drive Carefully. The Schools Open, Drive Carefully public awareness campaign reminds motorists to watch for students walking to or from school or waiting for buses. Each year, clubs distribute millions of bumper stickers, posters and other materials to encourage drivers and students to be alert in school zones.

DUI Countermeasures. For more than 30 years, AAA has been involved in continuing efforts to reduce drunken driving incidents through special education programs used in 60,000 schools. These programs include student curriculums, adult education curriculums and DUI countermeasure materials.

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