Community Outreach Programs

The AAA Northeast Public Affairs department offers virtual and in-person community outreach programs that spread the word about safe driving, walking and bicycling for people of all ages. Our Public Affairs staff works with local police departments, schools and community groups to reach as many citizens as possible. We will work with specific organizations to tailor programs to your needs.

Please review the list of presentation topics and submit a presentation request. We will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule.

Educational Programs

In 1920, the AAA School Safety Patrol program began, allowing students to be active participants in maintaining a safe walk to and from school. Over 50,000 schools and more than 500,000 students worldwide have actively participated as members of the AAA School Safety Patrol. AAA Northeast would like to encourage all schools to initiate their own AAA School Safety Patrol program. This program equips students in grades 4 - 8 with the tools needed to ensure they commute to, from and around school safely. AAA Northeast supports AAA School Safety Patrol programs for students by providing belts, badges and other items, as well as the Outstanding AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year award.

 

Learn More

 

For more information on starting a AAA School Safety Patrol in your state, contact: 


CT – Adelle Zocher
azocher@aaanortheast.com
(203) 936-2595 x4576

 

NJ – Shani Jarvis
sjarvis@aaanortheast.com
(973) 886-8772

 

NY – Gerri DiSalvo
gdisalvo@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2377

AAA Northeast aims to educate cyclists of all ages and ability levels on how to ride safely. That also means educating motorists on sharing the road with cyclists. Whether you ride for transportation or recreation, please take the time to review our tips for the safest and most enjoyable ride!

 

AAA offers loanable Bike Rodeo kits for organizations looking to conduct a bicycle rodeo. Children are invited to bring their bikes and helmets to the rodeo and run through a pre-designed course that will help them identify their level of cycling proficiency, as well as noting skills that need improvement to be a safer rider.

 

Learn More

 

For more information, contact:

 

CT – Adelle Zocher
azocher@aaanortheast.com
(203) 936-2595 x4576

 

NJ – Shani Jarvis
sjarvis@aaanortheast.com
(973) 886-8772

 

NY – Karen Blackburn
kblackburn@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2409

This program is designed to help seniors achieve a better fit with their vehicle for optimum safety and comfort while driving. CarFit technicians will help you adjust your mirrors, seat belts, tilt wheel, seating position and more. Visit www.car-fit.org to find an event near you.

 

For more information on CarFit, contact:


NJ – Ron Esposito (Instructor)
resposito@aaanortheast.com
(908) 377-9686

 

NJ – Shani Jarvis
sjarvis@aaanortheast.com
(973) 886-8772

 

NY – Karen Blackburn (Instructor)
kblackburn@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2409

 

NY – Barbara Ward
bward@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2378

 

NY – Gerri DiSalvo
gdisalvo@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2377

Car seats and child restraint systems save lives, but only if they're installed correctly and used properly. It's a sad fact, but most parents don't install them the right way. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says two out of every three car seats are misused. It's not surprising, since car seats can be complicated. Forward-facing, rear-facing, 5-point, age and height restrictions, the LATCH system… it may seem like you need an engineering degree to use a car seat properly.  AAA is here to help, with resources and information to keep your little ones safe.

 

Learn More

 

Nationally certified child passenger safety technicians are on staff in the following areas:

 

CT – Adelle Zocher (Special Needs Certified & Instructor)
azocher@aaanortheast.com
(203) 936-2595 x4576

 

MA – Mark Schieldrop
mschieldrop@aaanortheast.com
(401) 515-2660

 

NJ – Shani Jarvis
sjarvis@aaanortheast.com
(973) 886-8772

 

NJ – Ron Esposito
resposito@aaanortheast.com
(908) 377-9686

 

NJ – Lauren Paterno
lpaterno@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2266

 

NY – Karen Blackburn (Lead Instructor)
kblackburn@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2409

 

NY – Gerri DiSalvo
gdisalvo@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2377

 

NY – Janet Brown
jbrown@aaanortheast.com
(315) 797-6154

AAA offers a variety of safety materials geared for Trick-or-Treaters, encouraging safe pedestrian habits for this very exciting holiday. Some states also offer an assembly program for preschool and elementary school aged children, teaching basics such as making a costume more visible to motorists, good pedestrian habits, as well as Trick-or-Treating etiquette.

 

Download Halloween Safety Activity Sheet

 

Halloween safety literature and reflective materials may be available in your area. Contact your state representative to see what's available in your area:

 

CT – Adelle Zocher
azocher@aaanortheast.com
(203) 936-2595 x4576

 

NJ – Shani Jarvis
sjarvis@aaanortheast.com
(973) 886-8772

 

NY – Karen Blackburn
kblackburn@aaanortheast.com
(516) 873-2409

This presentation stresses the importance of wearing a helmet, staying visible, using hand signals and finding safe places to ride, as well as the laws and rules of the road.

 

Presentation Request Form

This presentation covers the basics of being a safe pedestrian, including where to walk, staying visible and avoiding distractions.

 

Presentation Request Form

The AAA Safety Library is a carefully curated selection of K-3 appropriate books that cover topics including, but not limited to, traffic safety, pedestrian safety, bike safety & personal safety.

 

Presentation Request Form

Four different presentations are available with Bob the Puppet and, in some programs, Otto the Auto - including passenger and pedestrian safety, bike safety, bus safety and Halloween safety.

 

Presentation Request Form

Attitudes about the use of cannabis have shifted in recent years. Cannabis is now prescribed for medicinal purposes and the legalization or decriminalization of recreational marijuana in many states resulted in greater societal acceptance of the drug's use. This free program for high school health and driver education classes is designed to educate high school students on the risks of driving while impaired by cannabis. This curriculum also intends to correct misconceptions about cannabis' potential risks to teenagers.

 

Presentation Request Form

A pre-permit workshop for soon-to-be drivers and their parents explaining the driver education, permit and Graduated Driver License process and laws for your state. (Customized presentations are available upon request to address the specific needs of an organization or municipality.)

 

Presentation Request Form

"Drivers spend more than half their time focused on things other than driving" — AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Every day, motorists who read or send a text while driving take their eyes off the road for up to 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes shut. Texting - along with other activities like phone calls, eating, drinking, setting your GPS or working your car's entertainment system - takes your mind and your eyes off the road. This program is designed to help new drivers understand the risks of distractions and offers tips to avoid becoming a distracted driver.

 

Presentation Request Form

Safe drivers need to know how to handle unexpected driving emergencies. You'll get advice on what to do if you break down, how to stay safe on the road and useful items to keep in your vehicle.

 

Presentation Request Form

This workshop is an interactive presentation that provides information to parents on the most common mistakes that new teen drivers make and offers tips to avoid them by helping them improve their judgement, knowledge, behavior and skills while operating a motor vehicle. 

 

Presentation Request Form

With more and more electric vehicles (EVs) entering the roadways, this workshop will address the benefits and intricacies of owning this type of vehicle, as it is the future of sustainable transportation. Participants will learn about the history of EV technology and how it has evolved, different types of EVs and hybrid vehicles, and information about batteries and charging.

 

Presentation Request Form

Drivers will learn about the risks of distractions and get tips to avoid becoming a distracted driver. Research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety about cognitive, manual and physical distractions – and how this applies to the distractions caused by Bluetooth, infotainment and navigation systems – will also be covered.

 

Presentation Request Form

Need a ride? This program is designed to educate senior drivers on the benefits and steps for using ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber, as well as provide tips on being safe when utilizing these ride-sharing services.

 

Presentation Request Form

According to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, most seniors drive 6-10 years beyond their ability to do so safely. So when is it time to "retire" from driving? This workshop is designed to help older drivers and caregivers to determine when the time is right, from conducting a driver evaluation to developing a mobility plan for driving cessation.

 

Presentation Request Form

This program presents practical information on how older drivers can compensate for the physical changes that come with aging and can affect their ability to drive. The presentation focuses on vision, cognition, physical fitness and the side effects of common medicines on driving.

 

Presentation Request Form

Real-ID compliant licenses will be required for domestic air travel starting May 2025. Participants will learn who needs one and how to obtain one in their states.

 

Presentation Request Form

AAA Northeast is committed to supporting businesses, organizations and fleets in their efforts to educate employees on the risks of marijuana-impaired driving. Proactive education protects your employees and your business operations!

 

Presentation Request Form

It's never fun, but it happens. Developed with law enforcement, this program explains what to do during a traffic stop and how to safely interact with police.

 

Presentation Request Form

John Paul, certified automotive technician and consumer advocate, can answer questions regarding car repair issues or buying decisions. Email your automotive questions to the Car Doctor at jpaul@aaanortheast.com.

Presentation Request Form

Roadside Assistance Truck