AMA School Safety Patrollers in the program's early years

AMA News: Summer 2018

By AMA Staff

SAFETY AT 80
As we approach the end of the school year, we’d like to say thanks to the 16,000 AMA School Safety Patrollers across Alberta, who stand on guard to help their classmates safely cross the street. In fact, School Safety Patrollers have now been helping out for 80 years! Since its founding, the program has been instrumental in promoting road safety and developing youth leadership skills—at the crosswalk and in life.

Much has changed on the roads since 1938. Back then, patrollers oversaw crossings that were also used by horse-drawn carriages delivering ice, milk and produce. Today, the big concerns on the road are distracted drivers, speeding and congestion in school zones.

AMA’s ongoing commitment to fostering safer communities remains constant. From our early days lobbying for new roads to advocating for legislative changes on topics like seat-belt use, impaired driving and distracted driving, we’ve always been working to protect the things that matter most to you.

SHARE A STORY
Tell us your favourite School Safety Patrol memories!

VEHICLE THEFT
Albertans love our cars and trucks—but we could do more to prevent them from being stolen. Almost 30 percent of all Canadian vehicle thefts happen here, according to Statistics Canada’s most recent Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Nearly 23,000 vehicles are stolen annually in Alberta—that’s 62 thefts daily and more than three times the national average. Take extra precautions this summer: Always park in well-lit areas, lock your doors and remove any valuables. And when you’re out of the car, keep your keys or fob secure too.

A camper van driving up a mountain road.
photo: Fotograferen.net/Alamy

TRAILER AID
Gearing up to take your trailer, fifth wheel or motorhome on a summer road trip? Don’t forget to level up to a Plus RV or Premier RV membership with AMA, both of which offer the peace of mind of extended towing distances including winching, free emergency fuel, and battery and flat-tire service to help you out of trouble anywhere in North America. You also get the benefit of free access to National Car Rental’s Emerald Club—useful for day trips from the RV park—and Premier RV members even get one free windshield-chip repair per year.

SAVE THE (ROAD TEST) DATE
For many of us, getting our driver’s licence is an important milestone on the road of life, and AMA is there with you every step of the way. You can now book your road test with an independent, government-accredited driver examiner through AMA. Members can schedule both the Class 5 Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) and Advanced road tests, plus tests for Class 6 motorcycle and Class 4 professional licences. Book online, by phone or in-person at most AMA centres.

MEMBERS-ONLY HOTEL DEALS
AMA members can now save an additional 10% on hotel bookings at AMATravel.ca. Just search for a hotel, then enter your AMA membership number on the results page to unlock exclusive discounts on already amazing room rates. And don’t forget AMA Travel’s Best Price Guarantee on hotels in Canada and the U.S. If you find a lower price within 24 hours of making your reservation, let us know and we’ll credit or refund the difference, and give you $25 in reward dollars.

SUMMER FUN SAVINGS
Check out these AMARewards partners to help you enjoy the season!

Inside Out Experience: Half-day guided Kananaskis rafting adventure. Save 15% on adult rates, 20% on family rate.Jasper Rafting: Intro trips on the Athabasca River or whitewater rides on the Sunwapta River. Save 10% on morning tours.

Jasper Raft Tours: Family-friendly scenic floats. Save 15% on adult rates.

Reynolds-Alberta Museum: Discover early vehicles and transportation history. Save 10% on admission.

Royal Tyrrell Museum: Dino displays, Badlands palaeontology experiences and more. Save 10% on regular admission.

An air valve on the wheel of a bicycle.
photo: Philipp Zechner/Alamy

PEDAL POWER
So you’ve taken your bike out of storage—only to learn that the tires have been leaking air all winter. AMA’s Bike Assist can pump them up in a hurry. Use one of your annual service calls and we’ll deliver air directly to you at home. If you get a flat while out riding, we’ll come to your rescue on the road too. We can also help adjust chains and tighten loose parts. If we can’t fix a problem on the spot, we’ll transport your bike to a repair shop (within the limit of your AMA membership level).

VEHICLE REGISTRATION RENEWAL
Sign up for AMA’s Vehicle Registration Auto-Renew service to ensure your registration and plate stickers never expire. We’ll process your renewal and send the stickers and registration to you. Prefer to renew in person? We can help at any AMA centre. The start of your last name determines your registration’s expiry:

May: last name beginning C or N (excluding Cl)

June: Cl, H or Sc

July: Av, Be, L, Sz, V or Z

August: E, Gr or R

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Never be left without your AMA membership: Set it to renew automatically each year on your credit card. Activate auto renew through your AMA online account, call 1-800-222-6400 or register at an AMA centre. New to auto renew? You’ll get $5 in reward dollars for signing up.