A Century on the Road: The Enduring Legacy of AAA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has been an integral part of the American experience for over a century, evolving from a small collective of motor clubs to the world's largest travel organization. AAA's history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the automobile, road infrastructure, and travel culture in the United States and beyond.
The Dawn of Motoring and the Birth of AAA
In the early 1900s, the automotive landscape was vastly different. In 1902, there were only about 23,000 cars on American roads, dwarfed by the 17 million horses that still dominated transportation. Poor road conditions made driving a challenging endeavor. Recognizing the need for a unified voice and collective action, nine auto clubs convened in Chicago, Illinois, on March 4, 1902, to establish a national motoring organization. This marked the official birth of the American Automobile Association. Clubs from other states came to participate, with a total of 1,500 members joining the new organization.
AAA opened its first headquarters office, shared with the Automobile Club of America, at 753 Fifth Ave.
Early Initiatives: Mapping the Way Forward
AAA quickly began addressing the challenges faced by early motorists. In 1905, the organization published its first maps, providing much-needed guidance for navigating the nascent road network. AAA published its first street map, of Staten Island. N.Y. In 1909 AAA conducts first contest for the Charles Glidden Touring Trophy from New York City to Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, and back. These tours encourage manufacturers to produce more reliable vehicles. AAA enters into its first reciprocal agreement with a foreign auto club, the Touring Club of France. AAA’s agreements with foreign auto clubs continue to benefit AAA members traveling abroad. AAA co-sponsors the first National Good Roads Convention, the start of AAA’s Good Roads Movement, which plays an important part in the growth of the nation’s highway system. AAA joins with the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Feb. AAA publishes Trail to Sunset, a booklet of strip maps detailing a AAA Pathfinder’s route from New York to Jacksonville, FL. AAA introduces an oval shape in its logo. AAA publishes its first transcontinental map in sheet map form. AAA publishes a series of guidebooks for those planning to travel from north to south: Lakes to Gulf, Dixie Trails and Seminole Trails. AAA works through the Automobile Club of Southern California to open national parks to automobiles. AAA begins transcontinental highway signing project through the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Recognizing the importance of reliable accommodations for travelers, AAA began printing hotel guides in 1917, offering motorists a trusted source of information on lodging options. AAA publishes first hotel directory in a single publication. AAA issues first pedestrian resolution, which requires pedestrians to abide by signals of traffic officers and cross only in designated places. AAA calls on the War Industries Board to prioritize road materials and machinery. Due to lack of official recognition, highway construction and maintenance become increasingly difficult. AAA becomes a member of Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT), a global organization of auto clubs. AAA publishes the first AAA Campground Directory.
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Championing Safety and Education
From its earliest days, AAA has been deeply committed to promoting safety on the roads. In 1920, the organization launched its School Safety Patrol Program, the first of several AAA driver safety programs, aimed at protecting children on their way to and from school.
AAA launches the AAA School Safety Patrol in Illinois through the Chicago Motor Club. Nov. 9: AAA supports passage of the Federal Highway Act, which provides for an interstate road system. The act is signed by President Warren G.
AAA's commitment to driver education extended to adults as well. In 1935, they published "Sportsmanlike Driving," which was the first course for high school teachers. The following year, the AAA created the first driver’s education materials for American high schools, which is now known as Responsible Driving. AAA publishes driver education pamphlets The Driver and The Driver and Pedestrian Responsibilities, for high schools. AAA sponsors the first Teachers’ Training Course in Driver Education at Pennsylvania State College, which is taught by Amos Neyhart. This is the first driver testing program funded by a grant from the Automotive Safety Foundation.
AAA continues to keep children safe on the way to school through the AAA School Safety Patrol.
Supporting the War Effort
During both World Wars, the AAA demonstrated its patriotism by supporting the war effort. During World War II, they supported the use of synthetic rubber in the face of manufacturing reductions. They also encouraged people to drive less to conserve fuel. AAA opposes motor vehicle taxes levied during World War I, including a gasoline tax and an excise tax on automobiles, trucks and automotive equipment. AAA offers its services to the Advisory Commission of the Council of National Defense in anticipation of becoming involved in World War II. AAA President Thomas P. AAA becomes involved in conservation efforts due to wartime manufacturing reductions. AAA acts to ease a mechanic shortage by nationalizing its New England Plan, a project involving maintenance, coordinating and increasing national automobile mechanic manpower resources. AAA holds the first Traffic Safety poster contest as a way to reward students for combining traffic safety messages with art. AAA begins the Take It Easy campaign to reduce traffic fatalities. AAA hosts the AAA School Safety Patrol parade in Washington, D.C., with General Dwight D. AAA produces The Safest Way, a film for elementary school children about safety. The film wins first place in its category from the National Committee on Films for Safety. at the time - 67″ x 100″.
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Shaping National Safety Standards
AAA made significant contributions to national safety in the 1960s by helping to create the National Traffic and Motor Safety Vehicle Act of 1966. This act set safety standards for cars, tires, and equipment, leading to safer vehicles and reduced traffic fatalities. AAA drafts a broad program of action, urging stepped-up construction of the national system of interstate highways. State Department at the U.N. citizens planning to drive in Europe, Asia and Australia. AAA continues to issue these permits for only $10. AAA publishes Your Driving Costs pamphlet for the first time. This annual pamphlet scrutinizes costs of owning and operating an automobile, as well as some vacation expenses. AAA assists the United Press in scripting the weekly radio show. Calling All Drivers. AAA campaigns to limit axle loads to 18,000 pounds to protect highways from damage by trucks. Congress begins imposing limits on truck size and weight five years later. AAA opposes hauling explosives on highways without adequate regulation. AAA calls the Highway Emergency Conference to bring attention to the inadequacy of the nation’s streets and highways in handling the mounting traffic volume. Clubs from 34 states are represented. AAA requests that auto manufacturers de-emphasize speed in selling their cars. AAA is instrumental in the passage of the 1954 Federal-Aid Highway Act. AAA is largely responsible for passage of the 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act, the most ambitious public works program in the nation’s history. AAA campaigns to regulate outdoor advertising along the interstate highway system. AAA publishes its first world map and seven maps of European countries. AAA Travel Guide to the Mid-East and Orient supersedes Motoring in North Africa and the Mid-East. AAA adopts a rating system for TourBook® guide accommodations listings, which becomes the Diamond Rating System in 1976. The fall 1963-1964 Florida and Southeastern TourBook guides are the first to carry these ratings. AAA defeats a proposal that would not allow motorists to deduct state gas taxes on federal income tax returns. President Paul R.
Adapting to Changing Times
In the 1970s, the AAA inaugurated its Gas Watchers program to help people conserve gas during the energy crisis. And in the 1980s, their road atlas became a New York Times best-selling paperback within six weeks. AAA begins providing traveler’s checks in a national program with First National Citibank. The checks bear the AAA imprint. Automobile Club of Michigan begins Bring ’em Back Alive program aimed at making holidays safer. AAA signs agreement with International Reservation Corp. AAA creates a new strip map system. AAA initiates a weekly Fuel Gauge Report during the Arab oil embargo to advise motorists on gasoline availability, prices and service station hours. AAA publishes a unique instruction manual for towing foreign-made automobiles, and three years later publishes a similar manual for American-made autos. AAA launches the Gas Watchers program with the endorsement of President Ford. The first Gas Watchers Guide is published. AAA develops the Approved Auto Repair program to help identify competent, reliable repair facilities. AAA joins with VISA to develop a new credit card program for AAA members. AAA President James B. Automobile Club of New York AAA conducts a gasohol test to determine the utility of the fuel. AAA gears up for oil shortage caused by Iranian hostage situation. AAA President James B. Creal chairs the gasoline rationing task force and serves on issue identification task force. He is also appointed to President Carter’s National Council on Energy Efficiency. AAA begins including life safety procedures in TourBook® guides for lodging fire emergency situations. AAA introduces Autograph program for evaluating new cars. AAA is represented by AAA President James B. AAA launches AAA World magazine to replace American Motorist. AAA identifies scenic highways on AAA sheet maps for the first time. AAA publishes the AAA North American Road Atlas. It is the first AAA atlas to use all AAA maps and not the imprint of another mapping company. AAA begins co-sponsoring the Plymouth/AAA Trouble-Shooting Contest for aspiring auto mechanics. AAA wins an award in a JC Penney Co. AAA is honored for publishing the Handicapped Drivers Mobility Guide, including a handicapped symbol in TourBook® guides and developing its adaptive equipment vehicle testing program, which tests ease of use of vehicles modified for those with disabilities. Air Force implement the AAA Driver Improvement Program on a worldwide basis. AAA receives recognition when President Ronald Reagan honors Shelby L. Butler, a recipient of AAA’s School Safety Patrol Lifesaving Medal from St. Joseph, Missouri, in his State of the Union Address. AAA focuses legislative efforts on the Truck & Bus Safety Regulatory Reform Act of 1988, requiring interstate drivers and equipment to meet federal safety regulations. AAA joins the Federal Highway Administration, Avis, General Motors and the Florida Department of Transportation in the Smart Car experiment, also known as the TravTek Project. AAA begins nationwide radio broadcasting of the weekly Car Care Minute. AAA makes Travel Weekly’s Top 50 Travel Agencies list when Auto Club South, based in Tampa, Florida, is recognized. AAA begins testing TravelMatch Express in Florida. AAA teams with Walt Disney World to open the Ocala Travel Center in Ocala, Florida. AAA publishes the AAA Guide to National Parks, which becomes the No. Robert L. AAA launches AAA Financial Services Corp., a new company owned by the AAA National Office and clubs. In partnership with banks, FSC provides financial products and services to AAA members including mortgages, home equity loans, CDs, credit cards and auto loans. AAA kicks off Crisis Ahead: America’s Aging Highways and Airways campaign, which leads to AAA helping shape two pieces of landmark legislation: the Transportation Equity Act for the 21 Century (TEA-21) in 1998 and the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21) in 2000. AAA releases Map ’n’ Go, a computer program for a new travel and mapping tool created by AAA and the map-making firm DeLorme. to create the travel industry’s largest travel alliance operation. AAA begins offering AAA Financial Services Corp. AAA unveils its new logo in a celebration at the AAA National Office in Heathrow, Florida. AAA is named the Clinton administration’s No. AAA is represented in PC Computing magazine when the publication rates the AAA Financial Services Corp. AAA forms RESPONSE Services Center, LLC, to launch state-of-the art telematics-enabled communications center in Columbia, Maryland. Department of Transportation secretary’s Aviation Summit, during which AAA President and CEO Robert L. AAA begins providing daily gasoline pricing reports through the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report, which includes a database of more than 200 metropolitan areas. AAA signs a new agreement for financial product and services offerings with M&I Bank. AAA also dissolves AAA Financial Services Corp. AAA initiates a four-year plan to generate AAA maps from a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database and release new paper and electronic products from the same source. AAA launches Life-Long Safe Mobility, a campaign to help seniors stay safe and mobile. AAA releases scientific study on World Health Day regarding seat belt use among the Latino population. AAA advocates for changes in EPA procedures to establish mileage ratings for new cars to make the estimates more accurate and reflective of real-world driving experiences. AAA led the state-by-state push to expand GDL nationwide, increasing the number of states with GDL systems from 8 in 1997 to all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2005. AAA teams with national first responder groups launch Slow Down, Move Over, a national initiative to encourage motorists to be more cautious when passing any type of emergency vehicle parked on the roadside. AAA releases research report, Smart Features for Mature Drivers, at the New York International Auto Show. AAA honors the efforts of all who worked to improve child passenger safety standards and increase use of child safety seats on the 30th anniversary of the first state child passenger safety law. AAA launches its first mobile application, AAA Roadside, enabling members to request roadside assistance via smartphone. AAA calls on the EPA to reject a petition that would increase the permissible content of ethanol blended in gasoline to 15 percent, or E15, from 10 percent, commonly known as E10. AAA launches AAASeniors.com, a web resource for seniors and families of older drivers. AAA announces that it will work to pass laws banning text messaging by drivers in all 50 states by 2013.
The 1980s also saw the AAA focus on school safety as well as truck and bus safety. AAA discounts, including those available via the organization's Show Your Card and Save® program saved AAA members more than $2.1 billion in 2009. Members that used the discounts had an average savings of $101 during the year.
AAA Today: A Comprehensive Travel Resource
Today, the AAA has over 61 million members in the US and Canada. The AAA is the world’s largest travel organization, offering trip planning assistance, travel and hotel reservations, and insurance - in addition to its renowned emergency service. AAA first provides signature emergency road service through the Automobile Club of St. Louis. In its earliest forms, service includes fixing tires, engines or small problems, rather than towing. The first providers of this service are five men on motorcycles, called the First Aid Corp. They drive the streets of St. Louis, MO, on Sundays looking for stranded motorists. 1945 - AAA used two-way radios for Emergency Road Service dispatches.
The Academy of Advertising (AAA)
In 1957, Dr. Harry Hepner (Syracuse University) presented the idea of an organization for advertising educators to Robert Feemster, advertising director for The Wall Street Journal and chairman of the Advertising Federation of America. Feemster agreed such an organization would be a good idea and asked Dr. J. Royal H. Billy I. J. Donald G. Hepner explained that there were no organization servicing advertising teachers in business and journalism schools. Gross and Drake, active in the national professional advertising fraternity Alpha Delta Sigma, did not join the Academy at the beginning. The others decided to proceed with the framework of an organization and named interim officers. At Hepner's recommendation, academic titles were used for the officers: Hepner as National Dean; Ross as National Associate Dean; George T. Clark, New York University, as National Registrar; and McCabe as National Bursar. The first year was devoted to increasing membership and developing a structure. The second national meeting was held in Minneapolis, June 7-10, 1959. During the 1960-61 year, membership grew from 123 members to 241. Today, the Academy has over 600 members. The Executive Committee of the Academy, which meets twice a year, consists of a President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President and Executive Secretary; the nationally-elected President of the Academy annually appoints over 100 members to approximately 15 committees. The March 1963 AAA Newsletter carried two articles: "Education for the Trustees of 12 Billion Dollars Per Year," by Otto Kleppner, and "Scandinavian Advertising," by Royal Ray. By March 1964, the Newsletter carried articles by Arnold Barban (University of Houston), Charles J. Dirksen (University of Santa Clara), George T. Clarke (New York University), Louis C. Today, the Academy continues to publish the AAA Newsletter, as well as the scholarly Journal of Advertising, Journal of Current Issues & Research in Advertising, and Journal of Interactive Advertising, as well as the Proceedings of the Annual Conference. (Abstracted from writings of Billy I.
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