AAA Texas and Austin Police Department Launch Campaign to Prevent Pedestrian Deaths in Austin

AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwire - October 1, 2008) - AAA Texas and the Austin Police Department kick-off a pedestrian/motorist traffic safety campaign on October 2nd at 1 p.m. on the Plaza at Austin City Hall (301 West Second Street).

Chief Art Acevedo, AAA Texas CEO Tom McKernan and other officials with the City will be at this news conference to announce details of the plan and take reporters' questions.

"The number of pedestrian deaths in Austin is alarming," said Police Chief Art Acevedo. "Pedestrian/motorist crashes have claimed the lives of more than 50 pedestrians on the streets of Austin since 2006. All of these crashes are avoidable. Austinites that want to make a difference should remember to always cross at a crosswalk and comply with all signs and signals. Drivers are reminded that they are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. The life you save maybe your own."

AAA Texas and the Austin police department have partnered to create a community program that includes a bi-lingual brochure -- Watch the Walk -- Pedestrians and Drivers Taking Action Against Auto-Pedestrian Deaths -- that will be distributed through A.P.D.'s Community Policing program as well as local businesses, the medical community, schools and AAA Texas offices.

"Today's culture of multi-tasking can create a potentially deadly situation for both drivers and pedestrians who become distracted by the likes of cell phones, blackberries, IPods, other electronic devices or food, when they are either walking across the street or driving," said Tom McKernan, AAA Texas CEO. "This is a shared responsibility -- all of us need to pay better attention when we are walking across the street as well as when we are driving."

AAA Texas' and A.P.D.'s community outreach campaign is designed to remind pedestrians and motorists alike to Watch the Walk and watch out for pedestrians and motorists on Austin's roadways.

AAA Texas has served members since 1902. Today, AAA Texas provides services to its members that include roadside assistance, auto, home and life insurance products, maps, international and domestic travel planning and reservations; pedestrian and traffic safety programs; automotive pricing, financial services, including consumer loans, deposit accounts and credit cards. Information about these products and services is available on the AAA Texas web site at www.AAA.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Dan Ronan Manager, Corporate Communications and Community Relations Office phone: 469-221-8217 Cell phone: 469-583-7070 Ronan.dan@aaa-texas.com danronan@sprint.blackberry.net