It’s back to school season, and students aren’t the only ones heading to the classroom. AAA Western and Central New York held Safety Rodeos for its Fleet staff in both Western New York and Central New York to proactively prepare technicians for challenges they may encounter on the roads. These educational events offer hands-on training for technicians, so that they are prepared to keep themselves and the public safe.

“The first thing we teach in the class is EMS - our EMS is employee safety, member safety, and team safety, so our Fleet technicians know how to take care of themselves or a member before the professionals get there,” explained Scott Swank, AAA Emergency Road Service Training Specialist, who works out of AAA’s Fleet Garage in East Syracuse. “It’s about self-awareness for themselves and the public.”

Part of the program was designed to help drivers strategically avoid crashes by allowing them to maneuver big rigs, in reverse, on closed obstacle courses, which were set up at AAA Fleet facilities in East Syracuse for CNY associates and in Cheektowaga for WNY associates.

“This year’s Safety Rodeo driving challenge has a focus on backing. We’re reminding technicians to watch what they’re doing with obstacles, so they can get into a relatively tight area and stop with accuracy,” explained Kevin Fortner, AAA WNY Fleet Operations Associate Manager.

“The obstacles could be shopping carts, cones, or kids’ toys, and we’re reminded to have a GOAL – Get Out And Look,” said Lead Emergency Road Service Technician Jeff Luxon, who has been with AAA in WNY for 14 years. “Out on the road, we face those obstacles every day, on every call.”

Technicians were also trained to handle potential life-threatening situations. “We started out with some stop the bleed training so that our techs have knowledge out on the road if they run into an injury,” Fortner explained.

“We have medics here to teach the course on how to pack a wound and pack a tourniquet, so drivers have those skills if necessary,” Swank added.

With car crashes on the rise and roads becoming increasingly dangerous, AAA’s goal is to proactively protect both drivers and the public. As an advocate for traffic safety, AAA wants to ensure that its technicians are fully aware of the latest driving techniques. Studies show that such training is effective in giving drivers the experience they need to stay safe on the roads while also supporting the well-being of fellow motorists.