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Program continues vital work of preventing pedestrian accidents near schools

AAA School Safety Patrol Program Celebrates 95th AnniversaryThough the days when kids could walk miles to school on their own are long gone in most communities, a schoolkid’s daily commute does still sometimes require crossing a busy street or two to get from mom or dad’s minivan to the school doors. This means kids are still at risk for pedestrian accidents on the way to school, so it is a good thing AAA’s School Safety Patrol Program is still going strong.

The AAA School Safety Patrol Program started in 1920 as a boys-only initiative designed to help young pedestrians learn about traffic safety while also preventing accidents at crosswalks near schools. Patrol members kitted out with spiffy policeman-like hats and over-the-shoulder belts would head to school early and stay late to serve as crossing guards for their classmates.

Since then, the crossing guards’ gear has been cut down to just a neon green belt but the program itself has expanded dramatically. There are now more than 635,000 boys and girls participating in the AAA School Safety Patrol Program at over 33,500 schools across the country. Today’s youngsters are assisted by teachers and adult crossing guards, in a nod both to the increased dangers posed by larger, faster automobiles than we had in the 1920s and to the need to protect kids from predators.

Many safety and education groups have recognized the important role that the AAA School Safety Patrol Program plays in reducing traffic deaths and injuries among 5- to 14-year-olds, an age group that is statistically at the most risk for a pedestrian accident injury.

The program has even saved lives. Since 1949, when the medal was first introduced, 411 lifesaving medals have been presented by AAA to patrol members who protected individuals who were in imminent danger of being involved in a fatal pedestrian accident.

As a way of celebrating the 95th year of the AAA School Safety Patrol Program, the organization is collecting historical photos from former patrol members to create a digital archive.

Get Expert Help After a Pedestrian Accident

Unfortunately, even when kids are taught early and well about traffic dangers and are always careful to cross the street safely, pedestrian accidents are still possible. Drivers often make errors—especially while turning across crosswalks at intersections—that result in pedestrians suffering debilitating injuries or even being killed.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Fernando D. Vargas can help. Call 909-982-0707 now to request a free consultation with Attorney Vargas and learn how he can help you fight for full and fair compensation following a pedestrian accident.