Nearly 1,300 Minnesota students from across Minnesota made their way through the Mall of America doors on Wednesday morning as AAA celebrated their work as School Safety Patrol members tasked with keeping fellow students safe on their way to and from school throughout the year.
2026 marks the 106th year of AAA's School Safety Patrol programSchool Safety Patrol program that not helps children learn traffic safety and leadership skills.
"It's one our beloved legacy programs at AAA and we have hundreds of schools throughout our 14 state territory that participate," said AAA spokesperson Brynna Knapp. "These students are really leaders for their schools and communities making sure students get to bus stops and crosswalks safely. It's really a great program that mentors leadership in students. Hopefully they go on to be safe drivers, too."
Student pedestrian deaths are down 24% since 2010 according to AAA, which credits School Safety Patrollers for that decrease.
"In terms of just being at the crosswalks, having that presence of younger children, you have people wearing vests, it's having that visibility at the crosswalks where are communities are that's super important," Knapp said. "We have seen an increase in traffic injuries since COVID, but we have seen a bit of a taper off, which is really great. There's still more to do and that starts with our youth."
As the school year winds down, Knapp said it's a good reminder for drivers that more children will be out walking, riding bikes, and enjoying the warmer weather.
"We call this period the 100 deadliest day," added Knapp. "It's super important we slow down, look at every intersection, and be aware of your surroundings."
Students celebrating Wednesday at MAO were treated to a day inside Nickelodeon Universe with the mall providing discounted wristbands for all participating schools to make the celebration accessible.
