Paula F. Downey, President and CEO
President's Message: New Laws to Protect Drivers
Paula F. Downey, President and CEO, discusses new laws AAA has promoted and passes the torch to Paul Gaffney.
AAA sponsors laws to keep you safe and secure on the road In the summer of 2010, two teenagers from Sacramento stood before a California Senate committee to support a bill that would make teenage motorcycle drivers safer. And you stood beside them.
When you joined AAA, we made you a promise. We vowed to keep you safe and secure on the road. That means zapping your battery at 3 in the morning, but it also means pushing lawmakers for tougher seat belt laws and stronger emissions standards. We have a long history of advocating on your behalf in Carson City, Salt Lake City, and Sacramento. Here are just a few of the laws we promoted in California that take effect in 2011.
- Any motorcycle driver under 21 must now complete a 15-hour safety course before receiving a learner’s permit and is required to have that permit a full six months before applying for a license.
- Tow operators must now post all tow and storage costs at their facilities and they must provide consumers with invoices that clearly break down those costs.
- Starting July 1, local municipalities can no longer ignore state laws by handing out traffic citations that go unreported to the DMV. We supported this law because it helps protect you from unsafe drivers who might otherwise fly under the radar of enforcement. And in the end, protecting you is our job. That’s our promise to you.
For five years, I’ve enjoyed the chance here in the pages of VIA to share my thoughts with you about the role of AAA in the community. Starting in January, Paul Gaffney, who has been our chief operations officer, will become the president and CEO of AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah. And me? I will be focused on AAA and its members as president and CEO of our insurance company, the California State Auto Group, which will be protecting the cars and homes of members in 23 states.
Photography by Winokur Photography
This article was first published in January 2011. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
