The American Automobile Association ( AAA Ã, - pronounced "Triple A") is a motorcycle club federation throughout North America. AAA is a non-profit membership service organization with over 58 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA provides services to its members, including roadside assistance and more. Its national headquarters are in Heathrow, Florida.
Video American Automobile Association
History
The American Automobile Association ("AAA" or "Triple-A") was founded on March 4, 1902, in Chicago, Illinois, when responding to the lack of suitable roads and motorways, nine motorcycle clubs with a total of 1,500 united members to form Triple- A. Individual motor clubs include Chicago Automobile Club, Automobile Club of America, Automobile Club of New Jersey, and others. The Automobile Club of Buffalo merged in 1903.
In 1904, AAA joined the first American automobile organization, American Motor League under the direction of its first chairman, Augustus Post.
The first AAA road map was published in 1905. AAA began printing hotel guides in 1917. Triple-A embarked on the School Safety Patrol Program in 1920, the first of an associate safety driver program, which provided local schools with materials, including badges and ID Cards to train and organize students into patrolling forces. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which studies the safety of motorists, was established as a separate entity in 1947.
AAA created an organization called Racing Board, and came to be known as the Contest Board, in 1902 to lead the Vanderbilt Cup international car race on Long Island, New York. The Racing Board approved the Indianapolis 500 and won the national racing championship in 1905, 1916, 1920-1941, and 1946-1955. After the 1955 Le Mans disaster, AAA ruled that car racing was disrupted from its primary purpose, and the United States Car Club was formed to take over the sanctions/inauguration race. In 2005, AAA reentered racing as a sponsor of ISC's tracks. In 2006, AAA's foray into racing expanded when it made a three-year commitment to sponsor the number 6 Roush Racing car at NASCAR NextC Circuit.
In 1935, AAA published Sportsmanlike Driving, the first course outline for high school teachers. In 1936, AAA published the first driver education curriculum for use in high school (also titled Sportsmanlike Driving, now known as Responsible Driving). AAA has updated its driver training courses for many years and many clubs currently offer their own driving school, or work with other companies to provide AAA driving curricula.
Knowing that vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians, in 1936 AAA started a pedestrian safety program with assistance from the Automotive Safety Foundation. AAA went on to commission and publicize (1938) an extensive study of pedestrian safety for the purpose of reducing pedestrian deaths and injuries. The AAA Pedestrian Protection Program began in 1937 and focused national attention on pedestrian safety requirements by identifying cities, counties and states that have demonstrated a successful pedestrian safety program.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety was established as a separate entity in 1947, and continues to conduct traffic-related and pedestrian-related research.
AAA has also provided services to the US government during the war. During the 1940s, AAA offered its services to the National Defense Council Advisory Committee to anticipate being involved in World War II. AAA President Thomas P. Henry was appointed as a consultant in the Defense Council's transport unit, and AAA promised resources, including highway information, for national defense planning efforts such as those that occurred during World War I.
Reductions in manufacturing due to war increase the need for conservation in cars and related products. AAA's efforts in conservation include supporting the manufacture of synthetic rubber to anticipate the scarcity of tires/rubber related to war, urging motorists to reduce their driving speed to save fuel (1942); and supporting the campaign of used rubber (1942). In 1944, AAA's Keep 'em Rolling campaign sponsored a cross-country tour featuring cars equipped with synthetic tires. The tour shows the reliability of tires made with synthetic rubber. In doing its part to assist in the war effort, AAA placed its mapping facility at the disposal of the Army department; undertake the education of motorists (1943); securing orders from the War Production Council that stop the sale of certain anti-frozen solutions that are harmful to motorcycles (1943); launched a campaign to reduce the scarcity of automotive mechanics (1943); monitoring of tires and gasoline rations (1943); and established, in collaboration with the Red Cross and military hospital, a driver training program for veterans with prosthetic limbs (1944). AAA also assisted in manual development on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and their operations during wartime (1942).
The end of the war brought new needs for motorists and AAA assisted with the release of the movie "Traffic Jam Ahead", which outlined a practical program for post-war traffic safety, and the publication of Postwar War Trends as a public service. In 1946, AAA launched a campaign called "Take It Easy", designed to reduce traffic fatalities. Furthermore, casualties fell 20 percent below pre-war figures.
In the 1960s, AAA helped draft the National Traffic Safety and Vehicle Act of 1966, setting safety standards for cars, tires and equipment. AAA also helps develop Road Safety Laws, sets standards for vehicle inspection and registration, motorcycle safety, driver education, driver licenses, traffic court, road design, construction, maintenance and traffic control devices.
During the oil crisis of the 1970s, the AAA Fuel Gauge Report was created to assist motorists in finding fuel and open fuel stations. AAA also started the Gas Watchers program with support from President Gerald Ford. The Gas Watchers Guide continues to be published to provide simple steps riders can take to save gasoline on their daily rides.
In 1979, President Jimmy Carter appointed AAA President James B. Creal to the National Alcoholic Alcohol Commission. Creal also led a gas allotment task force and was appointed to Carter's National Council on Energy Efficiency. The AAA representative serving the Carter Fuel Commission President Carter was asked to sign the Energy Securities Act of 1980. In addition, Creal served on the Industry Advisory Board of the Travel Congress and Tourism Caucus in the early 1980s.
In the 1980s, the AAA mapping service received significant recognition when a beautiful highway was identified on the AAA sheet map for the first time. AAA maps were used in the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition where over 13,000 full color AAA map images were provided on optical laser disks to show in-car navigation devices in the Chrysler Pavilion. And in 1985 the AAA North American Road Atlas sold in retail for the first time and made the best-selling New York Times best-seller list within six weeks. AAA experimented in the 1980s with the On-line Tourist Information System (OTIS), which was eventually combined with other automated services under the name AAA Travel Match. The self-service terminal works like an ATM, with rotating menus and touch screen controls that allow users to get local travel information.
During the mid-1980s, AAA's work with the Coalition to Stop Autolock Theft resulted in the passage of the Motor Vehicle Fraud Law in 1984.
The AAA School Safety Patrol Program and Medal Rescue Medal won the President's Quotation Award for Private Sector Initiatives honoring exceptional volunteer projects in 1985. A year later, on February 4, 1986, President Ronald Reagan honored the recipients of the AAA Safety School Patrol Lifesaving Medal in State of the Union Address it.
In 1988, AAA focused its legislative efforts on Truck & amp; The Bus Safety Rules Reform Act that requires drivers and equipment between states to meet federal safety regulations. The act was signed into law in November 1988.
AAA joined government and private sector companies - the Federal Highway Administration, Avis, General Motors and the Florida Transportation Department - in 1990 for the Smart Car experiment, also known as the TravTek Project. Testing the navigation system and traveling computer information in this car shows consumer acceptance of telematics technology that will make driving easier and reduce traffic congestion.
The new driver education program, "Teaching Teens to Drive", was introduced by AAA in 1996 to focus on parental involvement in teenage driving education. A year later, in 1997, AAA launched the Licensed for Learning, a campaign to raise awareness of the need for the Law of Graduate License (GDL) in each state. At the beginning of the campaign only eight countries have enacted GDL legislation. Today, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted some form of GDL legislation.
Research in the 1990s encouraged AAA to pursue another important issue for US motorists: the transport crisis due to inadequately funded infrastructure over the years. The Crisis Ahead: American Aging Highways and Airways research leading to AAA helped shape two important pieces of legislation: the 21st Century Transportation Equity Act (TEA-21) in 1998 and the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the Middle Ages -21 (AIR) -21) in 2000. Both laws adhere to the principle that user fees charged to air riders and travelers should be fully invested in improving and modernizing the country's air and surface transportation infrastructure.
Because of his work in AAA traffic safety was cited in 1998 as the number one traffic safety partner of the Clinton Administration by US Transport Secretary Rodney Slater. And in 2000, NHTSA presented AAA with a public service award in recognition of the AAA leadership in the Passenger Child Safety Certification Program, which teaches how to properly install baby/child safety seats, and for ongoing efforts in Graduation License Grants.
Soaring gas prices led AAA to testify before three Congressional committees on gasoline price hikes in 2000, and lobbying to prevent Congress from canceling part of the federal gasoline tax, which would undermine Highway Trust Fund revenues without ensuring consumers get help from high gas prices.. Participating in the US Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Conference, AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet communicates the establishment of AAA in the aviation crisis that says the lack of national air transport infrastructure has caused a crisis and offers a four-point plan to help turn it around. Also in that year, AAA testified before Congress and the Federal Carrier Safety Administration, to the proposed hour-of-service rules for commercial truck drivers and launched Sharing With Care, a public education campaign to safely share roads with trucks.
In the early 2000s (decades), AAA's focus to help seniors stay longer and safer leads to the appointment to the White House Conference of Aging. AAA promoted solutions such as senior-style road design, screening tools, education for seniors and their families, and additional transportation. Reader's Digest highlights the agenda of AAA transport safety by focusing on the importance of road safety improvements, especially for the elderly. To help seniors become safer drivers or to recognize signs that it is time to stop driving, AAA develops Roadwise Review, a computer-based screening tool that allows older drivers to identify and cope with physiological changes that may affect driving.
Discrimination
During the Jim Crow era, alternatives to AAA guides, such as The Negro Motorist Green Book , were written.
Maps American Automobile Association
Current operation
Members are included in one of 42 individual clubs (see List of AAA regional clubs), and the clubs themselves have AAA. The number of local clubs has declined over time through consolidation; in the late 1970s the membership list included dozens of clubs serving each region, mainly in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Member clubs have set up a reciprocal service system so that participating club members may receive member services from other affiliate clubs. Membership fees fund all club services as well as national organization operations.
Most AAA clubs have "AAA" as part of their name, although the two largest AAA clubs are based on no membership: Automobile Club of Southern California and Auto Club South.
From a consumer point of view, AAA clubs mainly provide emergency road services for members. These services, which include towing, locking, winching, tire change, first automotive assistance, battery replacement, and others, are handled by local private towing companies contracted by the country's AAA club. AAA sells roadside assistance for various motor vehicles, including motorcycles. In some areas, AAA also offers roadside bike assistance. Many AAA clubs have automotive fleet divisions that serve large metro areas, while private towing companies cover the volume of surplus calls by area. Recently, certain clubs have implemented automotive diagnostic/automotive battery program "on the go".
Rating System
The club also distributes road maps (including customized map guides for specific trips) and travel publications (TourBook guides), and reviews restaurants and hotels according to the "diamond" scale (one to five). Best hotels and restaurants by AAA criteria receive the Five Diamond Award. Many offices sell auto liability insurance, provide travel agents, automatic enrollment, and notary services. Maps, Tour guides, and travel agency services are generally free for members. AAA also offers member discounts through the "AAA Discounts & Rewards" program.
AAA is authorized by the US State Department to issue International Driving Permits in the United States, along with the National Automobile Club.
International affiliation
AAA has a reciprocal arrangement with various international affiliates. Generally, affiliate members are offered the same benefits as AAA members while traveling in the United States, while AAA members are offered equal benefits while traveling in the affiliate area.
International affiliations include:
- The European ARC includes leading European clubs, including the Automotive Association (UK), ANWB (Netherlands), ADAC (Germany), ACI (Italy), TCS (Switzerland), TCB (Belgium), ÃÆ' â € "AMTC (Austria) and RACE (Spain) below.
- The Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB) in the Netherlands
- Canadian Automobile Association in Canada ( TourBooks guide and Canada map published by AAA, and distributed by AAA and CAA clubs using AAA and CAA logo).
The latest list of International Affiliates can be found on the AAA's Exchange website.
AAA and rider rights
AAA has been burdening for years on various issues affecting motorists.
AAA is known for often-used high-level motorcycle advisors, such as when renting a billboard to alert city riders speed trap Lawtey, Florida. It is also a supporter of Motor Vehicle Drivers' Rights to Improvement Act, first introduced in 2001 but which has not yet become law.
In addition, AAA supports tax driver measures - with the aim of strengthening road infrastructure and maintenance - as well as supported measures that limit the legal rights of motorists:
- The canceled Virginia traffic tax citation for potential revenue generating.
- The federal speed limit is 60 mph (90 km/h).
- Opposes a 70 mph (115 km/h) speed limit on Illinois's rural highways although the road can safely accommodate that speed.
- Supports red light cameras.
- Lobbied in favor of speed cameras in Maryland in 2002, a few years before they were completely official. For a while supporting the expansion of speed cameras in Maryland in 2009, and opposing the lifting of speed cameras in Maryland in 2013.
- Lobbies support speed camera approval in Indiana.
- Support the increase of federal gas taxes, and support gas tax hikes at the state level as in Virginia in 2012.
- Defying Illinois raises its village speed limit from 65 to 70 mph (105-115 km/h).
- Propose a Vehicle miles travel tax in Idaho
- Oppose toll hikes on bridges and tunnels in the New York Metropolitan Area.
AAA and the environment
See "History" above for AAA involvement in conservation during World War II and the oil crisis of the 1970s.
In 2001, AAA launched a Large Battery Roundup to encourage motorists to recycle old car batteries, tires and various types of automotive fluids. Since then more than 4 million batteries have been recycled through the program and the service of mobile phone batteries. Usually holding events around Earth Day, AAA clubs often work with other environmental organizations such as EPA and The Nature Conservancy to expand this recycling effort.
In 2006, AAA worked with EPA to improve the fuel economy information provided to new car buyers by vehicle manufacturers. Using several different types of tests, AAA creates real-world driving conditions to illustrate differences in fuel economy, and EPA incorporates AAA testing into their new procedures. More accurate testing yields a mile-per-gallon claims reduction of between 5 and 25 percent, starting with a 2008 model vehicle.
As fuel prices rise, consumers often see an increase in fuel additive marketing as a way to improve fuel economy. AAA has tested many of these products and has never found a product that provides significant savings for consumers. AAA has warned consumers repeatedly against products that make such claims and encourages motorists to develop fuel-saving driving habits, such as reducing vehicle weight by removing unnecessary objects from the trunk, instituting stops and starting smoothly, and reducing speed they.
It is generally understood that the benefits of fuel conservation for consumers include financial savings, improved road safety and a healthier environment. To help motorists become more conscious about fuel savings, AAA published its first Gas Observer Guide in the 1970s during the oil crisis. The annual guides provide information on the various factors that affect fuel economy, such as modifying driving behavior, keeping the vehicle well maintained, choosing the right fuel, and choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicle for family needs.
Over the years, AAA has encouraged consumers to use public transportation by including this transport option in their travel guidebook. AAA also asks the government to invest adequately in a widely accessible and affordable multi-modal transportation system. In comments to the National Journal, AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet said that funding for high-speed trains from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a "bucket drop" of what is needed, and that the funding will be fine. spent if, forward, additional sources of investment can be identified.
In addition to encouraging fuel efficiency and conservation, AAA and other organizations started National Car Care Month during the 1980s to publicize the fact that untreated vehicles contribute to excessive energy consumption and air pollution. AAA works in partnership with businesses, civil groups, governments and the media in promoting and coordinating this annual event, which is held every October.
In 1992, AAA launched a popular ecotourism promotion called Freedom's Way. With support from institutions such as the National Parks Service, the US Wildlife and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and others, AAA generates travel tips and public service messages that encourage tourists to help protect the American scenic landscape and respect the environment. Topics include reducing congestion and pollution, saving energy, littering and enjoying wildlife in the distance. The prevailing theme is that heavy use or misuse of sites undermines the quality of experience for everyone and sometimes even leads to the closure of parks and recreational areas. The message is simple but effective.
In 2016, AAA introduces a new website that focuses on hybrid and electric vehicles, and offers mobile phone charging assistance for stranded EVs, similar to fuel-deprived pistons.
The AAA club has also been part of environmental advocacy throughout the ages of the organization including:
- In 1919, worried about the rapid destruction of California's giant redwood trees in the hands of commercial loggers, the California State Automobile Association AAA launched a multiyear publicity and lobbying campaign. Working with the Save the Redwoods League, CSAA continued to promote awareness and, in 1927, the bill created a state park system that protected redwoods into law.
- AAA Washington works with the state Ecology Department to help programs that help minimize the impact of car emissions, and the operation of the club's fleet service is named EnviroStar's regional business in recognition of environmentally friendly practices.
- Since 1991, the California State Automobile Association and the Bay Area Water Quality Management District have sponsored the Spare the Air campaign designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. CSAA also sponsors AAA Outdoor Corps, a group of employee volunteers cleaning beaches, clear garden paths and planting trees in wetlands.
- AAA Michigan sponsors the Detroit Clean Sweep, an ongoing program involving club employees who help promote a cleaner environment through voluntary activities such as garbage collection. In addition, courtesy Patrol's club-owned courier vans roam the local highways to assist drivers and help reduce congestion.
- AAA Mid-Atlantic is the main sponsor of the US Environmental Transportation Services workshop in Philadelphia that brings together bike groups, pedestrian, transit, and safety concerns about safe and efficient travel. In honor of Earth Day, AAA planted a Mid-Atlantic tree in the American National Forest, literally, on behalf of their members benefiting from the AAA Mid-Atlantic Cellular Battery Service program. For each member called to install a new car battery and recycled old batteries, a tree is planted in a national forest. Tree planting is possible through the Day of View Foundation, a non-profit conservation and education organization.
- AAA Oregon/Idaho is closely linked to Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism, and provides TripTic-style guides for annual coastal clearance and habitat mitigation projects.
- AAA Lancaster County is awarded an Outstanding Partners Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for its Ozone Action Program. The club also belongs to an advisory committee that promotes a range of modes of transportation systems that comply with federal air quality standards.
- The Auto Club of Southern California helped establish the Southern California Rideshare program. The club has supported dozens of transit projects that deliver cost-appropriate benefits, including commuter freight services in the Inland Empire.
Criticism
Although his work promotes environmental responsibility in the automotive and transport arena, the AAA lobbying position is sometimes considered hostile to mass transit and environmental interests.
In 2006, the Automobile Club of Southern California worked against Prop. 87. Proposition will create a $ 4 billion program to reduce petroleum consumption (in California) by 25 percent, with research and production incentives for alternative energy, alternative energy vehicles, energy-saving technologies, and for education and training. "
Daniel Becker, director of the Sierra Club global heating and energy program, described the AAA as a "lobbyist for more roads, more pollution, and more gas shaking." He observed that among other lobbying activities, AAA issued a critical press release on the Clean Air Act, stating that it would "threaten the personal mobility of millions of Americans and jeopardize the funds needed for new road construction and safety improvements." "AAA spokesmen have criticized open space measures and are opposed to US EPA restrictions on smog, soot, and exhaust emissions." "The club spent years struggling against tighter vehicle emission standards in Maryland, whose air, because emissions and pollution from wind-proof countries, is one of the worst in the country." In 2017, AAA continues to lobby for public transport projects.
Response
While AAA's work on behalf of riders and travelers seems to be at loggerheads sometimes with their environmental stance, awareness of the underlying issues has resulted in greater understanding. For example, in 2009, AAA requested the EPA not to increase the permissible ethanol content in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent, citing some concerns that affect vehicle emissions, engine performance, system component damage, and vehicle warranty agreements, among others. AAA says that further research needs to be done on potential harmful effects before increasing the ethanol content in the fuel.
In other instances, AAA supports the overall objectives of the Clean Air Act, but rejects some specific provisions in the law, requests clarification of state inspection proposals and provision of maintenance programs and requests that implementation guidelines be fully evaluated prior to enactment. According to a Washington Times article, which refers to research by Energy & amp; Environmental Analysis Inc., the tightening of federal emissions standards has led to a role reversal for cars, resulting in less than smog contributors. In contrast, stationary emission sources such as factories, as well as heavy vehicles and utilities are more of a threat to air quality and would be the right target in the fight against haze. "However, by particularly emphasizing vehicle regulation in the 1970s and ignoring EPA's gasoline regulations actually caused fuel to become dirtier, effectively damaging the significant portion of any gains achieved through tighter vehicle controls."
And recently, although AAA supports the manufacture and use of hybrid vehicles, research by the British Columbia Automobile Association in 2010 showed that they do not result in significant financial savings for consumers, although they are often marketed that way.
In response to these concerns, several competing organizations have emerged, including the Better World Club. These organizations generally provide the same assistance on the sidelines, travel planning and other services, in an environmentally friendly way. This includes discounts for fuel-efficient vehicles and donations to environmental organizations.
Also in response to criticism, the California State Automobile Association, the AAA branch, set up a booth at the San Francisco International Auto Show to raise awareness about plug-in hybrid vehicles.
List of AAA regional clubs
Note
See also
- AAA Travel High School Challenge
- Alliance Internationale de Tourisme
- Canadian Automotive Association
References
External links
- Official website ( Mobile )
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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