Community Services

Otto the Auto

Otto the Auto is a friendly talking car who's educating youngsters throughout the North Jersey area to the lifesaving rules of traffic safety.

Otto the Auto is presented in cooperation with local schools and police departments by the North Jersey Foundation For Safety (supported by AAA North Jersey members). It is a continuing effort to educate young pedestrians and bicyclists in traffic safety.

In conjunction with the safety tips Otto the Auto discusses with youngsters in the classroom, we recommend parents review the following safety pointers with their children to reinforce the lessons learned:

  • Carry or wear reflective material in darkness or bad weather to help drivers see you.
  • Watch for turning cars.
  • Always cross at the corner within the crosswalk.
  • Never go into the road from between parked cars.
  • Look all ways before crossing. Make sure the way is clear before you cross.
  • See and be seen.
  • Cross only on the proper signal.
  • Where there is no sidewalk and it is necessary to walk in the roadway, walk on the left side, facing traffic.

Thank you for your help in this important safety endeavor!

Would you like to schedule Otto the Auto to visit your K-3 class? Here's how:

  • The program takes approximately 45 minutes.
  • We prefer to begin the program at either 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
  • Parking must be provided for convenient loading and unloading of Otto and equipment.
  • Custodian or other adult is required to assist in loading and unloading.
  • A gymnasium or all-purpose room is suggested so that the children can sit on the floor and in a circle. Please do not set up seats. We can accommodate up to 150 students, depending on the size of the room and the TV screen.
  • DVD or VHS video cassette recorder equipment and a TV is required.
  • There is no fee for the program. The cost is absorbed completely by the AAA North Jersey Foundation For Safety (supported by AAA North Jersey members).
  • We will notify your local police department to have a police officer present for the integral portion of the program.
  • We will require a teacher to read the "Otto" portion of the script.
  • Please call at least one month in advance to reserve the date.

For any further questions or to schedule a visit, please call Peter Tuliebitz, Public & Government Services Assistant at (973) 956-2200, extension 2361.