President’s Letter: A Hallmark Moment
We take pride in making our communities better places to live.
As we transition from summer to fall, it’s a good time to think about how the changing of the seasons affects driving. Days are shorter, the weather is cooler and wetter, and children are back in school—all of which pose their own driving challenges. This is when a program like the AAA School Safety Patrol really shines.
The AAA School Safety Patrol program empowers more than 100,000 student leaders across more than 2,000 schools to teach other students about traffic safety and keep their classmates safe along walking routes, bus loading zones, and carpool areas. In addition to making school zones safer, it develops leadership skills in kids and allows them to give back to their communities. I’d like to say a big thank-you to the thousands of AAA School Safety Patrol participants.
In this issue of Via, there’s one story I’d like to bring to your attention about a critical issue for all of us at AAA. This article explains why it is so important for drivers to slow down and move over on our highways and roads when approaching first responders and emergency vehicles, including tow truck drivers. For insights into the nature of this work and how we drivers can better protect these vital professionals, we interviewed our own tow truck drivers about their personal experiences and tips to keep them safe.
As you know, AAA is in the business of helping millions of stranded motorists across the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That’s why we support state-level Move Over laws, which require drivers to reduce speed and switch lanes to protect workers. I would ask each of you to think about the safety of all first responders when you see flashing lights on the side of the road. Your attention could make all the difference.
Please help us keep our tow truck drivers and all first responders safe on the roadside.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Via, and thanks for being a valued AAA Member.
Tim Condon
President & CEO
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