[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 141 (Tuesday, September 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  TRIBUTE TO THE AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION SCHOOL SAFETY PATROLS

                                 ______


                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 12, 1995
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
acknowledge the American Automobile Association's School Safety 
Patrols. The 1995-96 school year marks the 75th anniversary of the AAA/
School Safety Patrol partnership. Over the years, the safety patrol--
which annually safeguards the lives of millions of young boys and 
girls--has become almost as recognizable to motorists as the stop sign. 
The presence of a safety patrol member wearing the familiar orange Sam 
Browne belt, which circles the waist and crosses over the shoulder, is 
a nationally accepted traffic indicator alerting motorists to drive 
carefully, for school children are in the area.
  Motorists will find safety patrol members in 76 percent of the 
communities across the country. AAA clubs across the United States and 
Canada sponsor the 500,000 member safety patrol program in 50,000 
schools.
  AAA clubs supply the training materials, belts, badges and everything 
needed to organize and operate a school safety patrol program, as well 
as recognition activities.
  Serving as patrols helps children develop a sense of responsibility 
at an early age. They're on duty early every morning of the school year 
and after the school day is over, sacrificing their play time. 
Throughout the day they remind their fellow students of safety rules 
and see that they cross the street only when it is safe to do so.
  Over the years, the program has spurred worldwide interest, and 
youngsters in many foreign lands have joined in the effort to improve 
traffic safety for school children.
  The national pedestrian death rate per 100,000 children under 10 
years of age is dropping steadily--from 10.4 in 1935 to 3.0 in 1986, a 
71-percent decline--and continues to decline. By 1993, the death rate 
for pedestrians under 10 was 1.4 per 100,000, down 65 percent from 
1975. Not only are fewer young pedestrians being killed, but the 
percentage of those deaths in relation to total pedestrian fatalities 
also is declining. Some factors in the drop in child pedestrian deaths 
include increased public and media attention on traffic and child-
safety issues, more students being bused to and from school, and 
improved emergency-medical services.
  During its long and distinguished history, the School Safety Patrol 
has saved many lives. Last year, for instance, seven safety patrol 
members were honored for their heroics.
  Drivers can and need to help protect our most precious resource by 
recognizing school zones--and the familiar orange Sam Browne belt worn 
by the School Safety Patrol--as a warning to slow down and look for 
children crossing the road.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today and salute the contributions of 
the thousands of safety patrols kids everywhere.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me the distinct pleasure of 
recognizing the 75th anniversary of the AAA School Safety Patrol 
partnership.


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