A century of service
Shortly after the first horseless carriages appeared on American roads, drivers began organizing automobile clubs.
In 1902, there were 17 million horses and only 23,000 cars in operation in the country. Still, 50 small car clubs had been formed by car enthusiasts from all over the country. Nine of these clubs came together to form a national automobile organization and formed the American Automobile Association on March 4, 1902 in Chicago.
More than 100 years later, AAA has been dedicated to the future of transportation since its inception by supporting safe, efficient highways and intermodal transportation systems that are accessible and affordable to all.
fight for better roads
In the early 20th century, existing roads were designed for horse-drawn carriages, not automobiles. Traveling on these dirt roads is often dangerous, and AAA’s initial goal was to lead the fight to improve roads across the country to better accommodate motor vehicle traffic.
By 1916, when the federal aid doctrine for highways began, the AAA had won major battles in the movement for better roads.
Since 1902, the activities of AAA’s member clubs have covered a wide range of issues and interests. AAA’s national campaign, “Crisis Coming: America’s Aging Highways and Aviation,” focused on America’s aging highways and airways and sought ways to solve this growing problem. . This bill calls for increased spending of existing funds in the Highway and Aviation Trust Fund for much-needed improvements to the nation’s highways, bridges, and air traffic control systems. AAA’s “Making America Stronger” aims to provide consumers with information and insight on current transportation issues.
For years, the AAA Federation of Clubs has fought hard for the legal rights of motorists and travelers and strived to make car ownership and travel a more enjoyable experience through improved services for our members.
car
Roadside assistance is synonymous with AAA. AAA he first introduced roadside services for stranded motorists in 1915. It remains one of the most valuable features of membership to this day. On average, AAA responds to nearly 30 million requests for roadside assistance each year.
In 1975, AAA created the Approved Automotive Repair (AAR) program to address one of the most frequent consumer complaints: finding a reliable and affordable auto repair shop. did. AAR facilities are first-class stores that consistently meet AAA’s rigorous industry-leading standards. Auto repair facilities with this exclusive designation are among his 7,000 locations throughout the United States and Canada. AAA’s AAR program takes the guesswork out of finding a facility, giving consumers peace of mind and a more pleasant auto repair experience.
Members in the United States can call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357), go online to AAA.com/Help, or use the AAA Mobile app for Android or iPhone. , you can request road service.
trip
Just five years after its founding, AAA established the Touring Information Bureau to provide members with travel information on roads, hotels, facilities, and motor vehicle laws.
AAA soon began producing its own maps, road records, and TourBook® travel guide series.
AAA began inspecting lodging facilities and restaurants in 1937. In 1976, the initial rating system evolved into the Diamond rating system for lodging properties. To commemorate AAA’s 75th anniversary, the diamond was chosen as the AAA’s symbol of recognition. In 1985, AAA began assigning Diamond ratings to restaurants. To keep pace with the tremendous growth in international travel, a foreign travel department was established in 1927 to handle the overseas shipping of steamer tickets and members’ automobiles.
AAA gradually launched additional services and is now one of the world’s largest travel companies, offering a complete range of domestic and international travel services through its travel agent network, AAA.com, and the AAA Mobile app.
safety
As the number of cars on the road increased rapidly, so too did car accidents. Preventing traffic accidents was an early concern of AAA clubs.
In 1920, the AAA-sponsored School Safety Patrol Program (where children protect their classmates from traffic hazards) was established and expanded across the country. AAA also introduced traffic safety education to elementary and middle schools and pioneered driver education in high schools. AAA’s responsible driving textbook was first published in the 1930s as Sportsmanlike Driving and became the most widely used book in the field.
AAA has been actively working to reduce drunk driving problems for over 40 years. AAA’s alcohol education programs are used in thousands of communities to address traffic safety issues related to alcohol abuse. AAA offers programs suitable for a wide range of age groups, from elementary school students to seniors.
fuel
During the Arab Oil Embargo in the 1970s, AAA began weekly fuel gauge reports. This involved traveling to petrol stations across the country to advise motorists on petrol availability, prices and opening hours. AAA currently provides daily gasoline prices across the country through the AAA Fuel Gauge Report. The report also provides expert commentary on the factors that influence pump prices. The AAA Fuel Cost Calculator helps travelers estimate the cost of gas for a trip and compare the costs of different vehicles. Additionally, AAA’s unparalleled fuel research examines different types of fuel to help drivers make smart decisions when refueling. AAA fuel information is also available on your smartphone at AAA.com/mobile.