Chapter 1: Overview
Role of the School Safety Patrol
AAA School Safety Patrols are school-sponsored student volunteers from upper elementary, middle, and junior high schools.
Patrols direct children, not traffic. As school-age leaders in traffic safety, patrol members teach other students about traffic safety on a peer-to-peer basis. They also serve as role models for younger children who look up to them.
School Safety Patrol members:
- Complete training in traffic safety
- Protect students from the hazards of crossing roads and highways on their way to and from school
- Assist bus drivers in safely transporting students to and from school
- Teach fellow students about traffic safety.
- Serve other leadership functions under the direction of school officials
Typically, teachers and principals appoint Patrol members, who participate with parental approval. A teacher usually serves as patrol supervisor.
History
As members of AAA School Safety Patrols, students have protected their classmates since 1916.
In the 1930s, three national organizations: the American Automobile Association, the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, and the National Safety Council — collaborated on Standard Rules for the Operation of School Boy Patrols. These guidelines have been updated over the years to become the operating standards for AAA School Safety Patrols.
Today, more than 50,000 schools sponsor patrols, protecting pedestrians and school bus riders in all 50 states.
School safety patrol members have grown up to be U.S. presidents, governors, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, astronauts, and Olympic medalists, as well as educators, executives, and community leaders throughout the country.
As the value of the program has gained recognition, two national awards have been introduced. Lifesaving Awards debuted in 1945. The Patroller of the Year award was first bestowed in 2002. For more information, click here.
Benefits
AAA School Safety Patrols benefit students, schools, and communities.
Students gain:
- Safety awareness
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Pride
- Citizenship
- Respect for law enforcement
Schools benefit from opportunities to promote:
- Traffic safety awareness
- Peer-to-peer education
- Character-building opportunities
- A constructive outlet for students’ energy
- A positive relationship with parents, law enforcement, and the overall community
Communities benefit from:
- Safer environments for pedestrians and motorists
- A spirit of volunteerism and civic-mindedness
- A positive collaboration between students, parents, schools, and law enforcement
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