AAA will mark a milestone anniversary this weekend that few other organizations have achieved. The original auto club, which has since become so much more, will officially mark its 120^th anniversary with special events at retail locations across the country, illustrating that the legendary organization is not just surviving, but thriving, as it moves into the digital age.

“As Americans prepare for what could be record breaking travel this summer, AAA will be greeting them with new technology and innovative processes to ensure the best possible experience, prioritizing safety and savings, just as they have been doing for 120 years,” says AAA spokesperson Jim Lardear. “It only stands to reason that AAA is marking this milestone on March 4^th, as America marches forth with renewed enthusiasm for travel.”

“AAA was built out of a commitment by a few to advocate for safe, efficient roads and enhanced mobility for all,” said Marshall Doney, president and CEO of AAA. “People may know us for roadside assistance, but we are so much more than that. Today, AAA is a trusted voice consumers can turn to for all things mobility, travel and beyond.”

Throughout AAA’s storied history, the federation has been instrumental in pushing for legislation and training to improve roadway safety for everyone, whether for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or first responders. This includes advocating for the creation of the Interstate Highway System in 1956, fighting for Move Over laws in all 50 states, developing driver education programs for all ages and the AAA School Safety Patrol program, speaking out on impaired and distracted driving and demanding stronger seatbelt legislation across the country. Much of this work is supported by proprietary research conducted by AAA automotive experts and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety on these same issues.

As one of the largest full-service travel agencies in North America, AAA recognized early on the importance of providing the public with trusted travel information. To serve this need, AAA created a suite of resources that are still synonymous with travel today, including the TripTik, the AAA Diamond designation and TourBook® travel guides. AAA also developed a network of expert travel advisors who for decades have been instrumental in making dream vacations a reality for members across the country.

Cause for Celebration

AAA is not just celebrating its past. It’s celebrating a future brighter than what could possibly have been imagined at its inception. Perhaps most impressively, the organization that now serves more than 62 million members continues to grow.

“The fact that, 120 years later, our membership continues to grow is a testament to the fact that the organization continues to evolve in step with the needs of our members,” Lardear adds. “What our members need right now is new and different than what they needed even a few years ago so AAA services are new and different as well…and many of those differences will be apparent to anyone who walks through our doors.”

With that in mind, AAA is marking its 120^th anniversary by inviting members and non-members alike to experience the new technology and innovative solutions in travel planning that will be on full display during our celebratory open house at AAA retail locations.

Join Us!

Enjoy snacks, giveaways and prizes while viewing demonstrations on such things as Digital TourBooks , Finger Printing Technology, Electric Vehicle Resources, and Expedited Passport Services. AAA Travel advisors will be on hand to assist anyone considering travel and in need of help navigating the ‘new normal’ – whether exploring the possibilities for Spring Break, a summer road trip or a more extravagant ‘revenge’ travel experience.

Did You Know?

While AAA is widely known for its legendary Emergency Roadside Assistance, AAA Approved Auto Repair and, in recent years, AAA Car Care, Travel and Insurance Centers, our very own members have expressed surprise at the ever-growing list of AAA benefits and services.

Here are 10 NEW or Newsworthy AAA Services or Member Benefits:

1. Expedited passport services – in partnership with RushMyPassport.
2. Virtual travel planning – AAA Members can work with a AAA Travel advisor without ever leaving home.
3. ID Theft Protection – ProtectMyID® is FREE for AAA Members.
4. Idemia fingerprint technology – available in select stores.
5. Foreign currency - now available in select stores.
6. Digital travel planning resources - digital tourbooks right at your fingertips.
7. DMV services – at select retail locations.
8. International driving permits – available at all AAA retail locations.
9. TSA Precheck and Passport Application - special partnership events in select stores.
10. Auto Loan and Auto Buying - advice and online services.

Some of AAA’s longtime benefits are still our most popular. AAA continues to expand its Discount and Rewards partnerships so Members save on car rentals, hotels, cruises, tour packages and amusement park tickets.

About AAA:

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 62,000,000 members nationally.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.

For More information and local interviews:

Connecticut – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com

Delaware – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

Indiana – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Kansas – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Kentucky – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Maryland – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com

New Jersey – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com

Ohio – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Oklahoma – Leslie Gamble, Leslie.Gamble@aaaok.org

Pennsylvania – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

South Dakota – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Virginia – Morgan Dean, Morgan MDean@aaamidatlantic.com

Washington, DC – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com

West Virginia – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com