Better Drivers Save Lives on the Road

At AAA, we focus a lot of our efforts on saving lives.

Not many organizations can say that. We’re proud of the work we do. Not only do we rescue people from the side of the road in sometimes precarious situations, but we advocate for safer roads and driver safety. We lobby for legislative changes, such as requiring the use of seat belts and most recently, requiring children age 2 and under be in rear-facing car seats. We do this because we know it saves lives.

One way we know this is through the research of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the foundation’s mission is to identify traffic safety problems and foster research that seeks solutions. A leader in this field, the foundation has been cited for landmark studies on distracted driving, teen driving, senior mobility and safety, and most recently with the University of Utah on distractions being caused by infotainment systems in today’s cars.

Each year, the foundation creates a conversation on traffic safety through its culture survey. This survey gives us an idea of how important traffic safety issues are to the public. For example, drivers feel talking on a cellphone while driving is dangerous – yet a large percentage of people still do it. Overcoming this double standard will encourage safe behaviors – and save lives.

One other important piece of research coming out of the AAA Foundation focuses on older drivers. Referred to as the LongROAD study, this project is following 3,000 older drivers, their driving habits and specific risk factors over several years. The significance of this is that we’ll be developing scientific data to advocate for effective policies and programs. We expect to be able to make several recommendations that will help drivers stay safer longer.

As a valued AAA member, we want you to know about the work we’re doing on your behalf to protect you and your families on the road. We’ll be telling you more about the studies from the foundation throughout the year. We invite you to learn more about the foundation by visiting its website at AAAFoundation.org.

Knowledge is the first step in becoming a better driver. And better drivers save lives.