Driver education & safety

Resources for youth & families

Family riding bicycles together.
Help make the roads safer for everyone

Children are our most precious cargo. AAA wants to give parents peace of mind through programs that help protect children whether they’re riding in the car, biking, or walking to school.

 

Every year, numerous injuries and deaths are caused by crashes involving drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. To help prevent such collisions, everyone should pay attention when they’re on the road and be respectful toward one another. Learn how you can do your part to improve road safety. 

Here are some ways to make the roads safer for all parties

driver.svg
Drivers
  • Check for pedestrians before opening your door, and look for bicyclists when changing lanes.
  • Slow down and leave clearance when passing.
  • Yield to bicyclists when turning. Never honk at a bicyclist—it could cause them to swerve into traffic or off the road and crash.
pedestrian.svg
Pedestrians
  • Stop at a safe spot or wait until reaching your destination to use your cellphone.
  • Look both ways before crossing; street lights, stop signs, and crosswalks don’t guarantee protection.
  • Turn the volume on your music down—or off—so you can hear what’s going on around you.
bicyclist.svg
Bicyclists
  • Follow the rules of the road, including riding in the same direction as traffic and following signs and signals.
  • Always wear a helmet, as well as bright colors in the day and reflective gear in low light.
  • Install head and tail lights on your bicycle, and be sure to use them in low-visibility conditions.

Child safety information

Baby in a rear facing car seat
How to choose & use child safety seats

Parents, grandparents, and anyone else driving with young children in the car should be able to handle child safety seats. That’s why AAA offers helpful tips on proper car seat selection and installation, which are essential in keeping young passengers safe. We feature expert advice, recall information, how-to videos, state laws, fun activities, and more. Classes on child safety seat information and installation are available in some areas. 

School safety information

Boy running by school bus
School’s Open—Drive Carefully Campaign

This annual program uses colorful graphics, products, and publications to alert drivers and pedestrians to be cautious near school zones. The program, which AAA began in 1946, has helped reduce school-related pedestrian fatalities.

Street crossing sign
School Safety Patrol

For more than 90 years, AAA has supported the School Safety Patrol Program, the largest safety program in the world. It promotes responsibility and leadership in students protecting their classmates going to and from school. 

Safety first road
Educational materials

Each year, AAA distributes free brochures and educational materials to schools, law enforcement and community groups. Topics include:

  • Teen driving and senior mobility
  • Pedestrian, bicyclist, and child passenger safety
  • The dangers of impaired and distracted driving
  • Proper seatbelt usage and information
  • Traffic safety awareness around schools 

Traffic safety videos and presentations are also available in some areas.

Los angeles downtown freeway smog
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety was founded in 1947 by AAA to conduct research to address growing highway safety issues. The organization’s mission is to identify traffic safety problems, foster research that seeks solutions, and disseminate information and educational materials.