AAA Announces 59th Annual National Poster Contest

AURORA, Ill., March 11 -- AAA's National School Traffic Safety Poster Program brings out the creativity in young people in an effort to help keep them safe. Now in its 59th year, the program continues its primary aim of reducing traffic crashes, the number one cause of death and injury for children ages 3 to 14.

Under the supervision of educators and youth leaders, children in Kindergarten through 8th grade were invited to send posters to AAA Chicago, which illustrate topics such as: Stop, Look and Listen before Crossing; Obey the Safety Patrol; Buckle Up for Safety; Play Away from Traffic; etc.

More than 100,000 entries were sent to AAA clubs for this contest. They have been screened and pared down to approximately 600 national finalists. On Thursday, March 13, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier, five judges will choose the first, second and third winners in each age group/topic. Winners receive U.S. Savings Bonds.

The Chicago Children's Museum recently unveiled its newest permanent exhibit, "Play It Safe," a 1,300-square-foot Chicago-style bungalow that helps families explore ways of preventing accidents in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and backyard.

"AAA has always placed the highest emphasis on traffic safety since its founding back in 1902," said Norma Cooper, AAA Chicago's manager of community affairs. "As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the AAA's Traffic Safety department, we are bringing the judging event back to where it all began, in Chicago. It was back in 1902 that 13 automobile clubs got together and formed a federation. This marks the first time that the judging has been held outside of the national office."

In addition, the judges will be choosing winners in 7th Annual Senior High Communication contest, a program that also encourages and rewards creative expression among high school students as they explore essential safety topics. Students in grades 9 through 12 were invited to communicate their ideas on occupant protection, DUI prevention and safe-driving practices through graphic arts, written or audio-visual presentations.

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada.

Chicago Children's Museum, a non-profit organization, is committed to creating a community where play and learning connect. With more than 12 interactive exhibits and new activities daily, every visit is unique and fun for families, educators, caregivers and children from toddlers to 10 year olds. The museum is located at 700 East Grand Avenue at Navy Pier. Hours are Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., closed Mondays. Admission is $7 per person, $6 for seniors and free for museum members and children under 1. Thursdays from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., admission is free during KRAFT Free Family Night. To learn more about CCM exhibits and activities, please call (312) 527-1000, or visit the museum's web site at www.chichildrensmuseum.org .