Paul Gaffney, President & CEO
President's Page: Why We're a Club
Being a AAA club member means being part of an organization that believes in safe driving, quality transportation, protection for the landscapes we treasure, and community.
Ever heard of automobilists? That’s what the first car enthusiasts called themselves. It’s an odd word, but it fit those early adopters who pioneered our club to elevate a newfangled mode of transportation. Today we’re no longer a tiny band fighting for crazy new things like paved roads and street signs. Chances are, you belong to AAA for reasons that are mainly about you. If your car breaks down, you feel confident that a AAA tow truck driver will get you back on your way. If you have AAA insurance, you know that our claims agents are eager to provide help when you need it.
You is also undoubtedly an important word for AAA employees dedicated to world-class service. But with 4.2 million members, it’s likewise important to remember that our club makes a very strong we. How do we harness the power of our collective energy? By focusing on the same themes that have guided our not-for-profit membership organization from the start: safe driving, quality transportation, and protection for the landscapes we treasure.
On the safety front, we never forget that more than 30,000 people die on the nation’s roadways each year, and we work hard to change that statistic, offering free car seat inspections for parents, in-depth tools for teen drivers, and support for seniors behind the wheel.
On the policy level, we lobby for laws to prevent distracted driving, including Nevada’s new ban on texting while driving, which takes effect in January. We also support measures that reduce congestion and boost public transit, and we’re committed to a greener fleet of vehicles. This summer, AAA road service pilot programs began deploying the nation’s first mobile charging units for electric cars.
Meanwhile, AAA volunteers have been hard at work to preserve and maintain the natural wonders of the West. They’ve cleaned campground fire pits in Yosemite National Park, cleared and maintained the trails in Mount Diablo State Park, and picked up bags of litter in Zion National Park.
Efforts like these make me proud every time I see a friendly red AAA sticker on a car’s bumper. To me that sticker means you’re counting on AAA—you know we’ve got your back.
And it says something more: Our club reflects each and every one of us. Together our voices and actions make a powerful we. I hope you display your AAA sticker with pride!
Photography by Winokur Photography
This article was first published in September 2011. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.
