The American Automobile Association
In 1902, nine separate automobile clubs joined together to form the American Automobile Association (AAA). AAA lobbys for drivers' rights and ensures safe vehicles and roads while offering roadside assistance, discounts on travel arrangements and insurance services.
The club pioneered efforts to transform America's roads from those designed to accommodate horse-and-buggy traffic into ones more conducive for automobile traffic.
Founded in 1902
AAA is a federation of motor clubs throughout North America. Through its private holdings and non-profit status, it offers roadside assistance services to its membership. However, AAA should not be confused with Automobile Club of Southern California or Auto Club Group which also offer insurance policies through partnerships with AAA.
The AAA is not part of the national government and therefore does not lobby on particular policy issues; however, they frequently participate in traffic safety and automotive research initiatives and are members of numerous international automobile associations through which their members gain benefits in other countries.
AAA offers its members many services, but their most renowned is roadside assistance. Established in 1902 and still active today, its original purpose was providing free tows to motorists stranded along their journey; today the organization provides many other forms of assistance that make car ownership and travel more pleasant.
American Automobile Association was initially formed out of nine independent motor clubs to assist motorists with their driving needs. Soon thereafter, it began publishing road maps and hotel guides; by 1920 it established the School Safety Patrol program to encourage students to protect classmates from traffic dangers; additionally it published its Responsible Driving textbook now widely used in high schools across the U.S.
During World War II, AAA played an instrumental role in aiding the government with planning wartime transportation and encouraging fuel conservation measures. It placed its mapping facilities at the disposal of the Army Department; conducted a campaign to ease auto mechanic shortages; urged motorists to drive slower to save fuel; promoted synthetic rubber as a solution against tire/rubber shortage; and recommended using synthetic tires/rubber instead to combat such shortages.
Since 2010, the American Automobile Association (AAA) has focused its efforts on road safety and financial literacy programs for children and adults of all ages - from elementary school children to senior citizens. AAA also works towards safer roads and vehicles as well as to prevent distracted and drunk driving; leading initiatives that enhance child seat installation and promote graduated driver licensing.
Dedicated to the Future of Transportation
The American Automobile Association has long been at the forefront of transportation issues, from highway safety to advocating for alternative fuels and providing roadside assistance and discounts on insurance for motorists. AAA also champions freedom of mobility through providing roadside assistance, discounted insurance policies and trip planning services for their members as well as advocating for a multimodal system accessible to all.
AAA was at the forefront of efforts to make roads more accommodating for motorists during its early years. Roads designed for horses and buggys often proved dangerous for automobiles; AAA helped win an important victory when the Federal Aid Highway Act was passed in 1916.
Throughout the 1930s, AAA published Sportsmanlike Driving as an early precursor of modern driver safety textbooks and pioneered traffic safety education classes in schools. AAA also supported development of highway lighting and speed limit signs as well as roadside assistance services; by 1947 they had established their Foundation for Traffic Safety to research driver and highway safety.
More recently, this organization has been active in fighting motor vehicle theft and drunk driving, supporting laws requiring interstate truck drivers to meet safety requirements, lobbying for highway beautification projects and working toward road sharing with trucks.
AAA strives to encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation and support the transition towards all-electric fleets, as well as ensure the upcoming shift to autonomous vehicles doesn't lead to the loss of non-motorized infrastructure like sidewalks, lanes and tunnels for pedestrians and cyclists. They have encouraged policymakers and businesses alike to include non-motorized transportation in comprehensive plans and zoning regulations as well as to promote electric vehicles while taking steps toward mitigating climate change through reduced business travel emissions commitments.
Providing Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance policies offer peace of mind to drivers stranded on the side of the road for an affordable fee, providing services such as changing a flat tire, delivering fuel or jump-starting dead batteries as well as unlocking locked keys in vehicles or rides to repair services if your car cannot be driven safely. Some auto manufacturers include emergency roadside assistance as part of their warranty coverage while standalone packages may also be purchased through membership organizations such as AAA or car insurers.
When selecting a roadside assistance provider, take note of their call and towing limits. Some plans only cover certain calls or miles; any additional fees must be covered by you as the driver. Also consider whether the plan covers just your vehicle or all your drivers; if you intend on using multiple policies at once then they will probably require separate policies per vehicle.
As well as basic roadside assistance, some plans also offer trip interruption coverage that helps ease any financial strain if a breakdown leaves you far from home. Such policies reimburse expenses such as lodging and meals while your vehicle is being fixed.
Roadside assistance may not be essential for all drivers, but it may be valuable for those who travel frequently or drive older cars with high maintenance costs. Policies offering roadside assistance are available from car insurers, credit card companies, auto manufacturers and independent third-party providers like AAA or Honk.
If you decide to purchase a roadside assistance plan, keep its contact information in your vehicle for use during long distance driving. In an emergency situation, try getting off of the roadway if possible while signaling other drivers by turning on your hazard lights.
Roadside assistance can be easily and affordably added to your auto policy, with major providers like GEICO and Progressive offering it as an add-on option to their standard policies. AARP also provides roadside assistance services; many luxury cars even include it as part of their manufacturer warranties.
Providing Insurance
The American Automobile Association, or AAA for short, is an iconic institution with over 62 million members who rely on them for roadside assistance services. Their commitment to increasing safety on American roadways runs deep; along with roadside assistance services they also offer travel accommodations and insurance coverage services.
Since 1902, this organization has evolved into an affiliation of independent clubs which offer roadside assistance and other services, such as discounts for various forms of insurance coverage and travel accommodations.
The AAA offers several programs aimed at increasing motorist and passenger safety. For example, they pioneered school safety patrol programs in 1920 and were recognized as Clinton administration's number one traffic safety partner in 1998. Furthermore, AAAdrive rewards members who exhibit safe driving behaviors.
AAA insurance products are sold through its regional affiliates located throughout each state and county. These affiliates are licensed to sell policies through direct writing, which allows them to compete directly against major insurers in their markets. AAA affiliates boast strong financial ratings and typically provide highly competitive rates.
Insurance policies are sold via call centers and online portals, while also featuring mobile apps for drivers to easily find the most competitive auto insurance quotes instantly. Furthermore, discounts such as new car discount and professional driver discount may be offered by this organization.
The AAA has provided voice to many issues and its members have voted on various policy initiatives. For instance, its members backed legislation mandating that all newly manufactured vehicles contain electronic stability control systems to improve safety on slippery roads. Furthermore, they advocated for tighter seat belt laws and tougher penalties for distracted drivers.
