About AAA
How AAA Started
At the turn of the last century, only an estimated 23,000 motor vehicles were registered in the United States, compared to 17 million horses. Roads were treacherous and driving restrictive. Vehicles, unreliable at best and scorned by owners of horse-drawn carriages, were targeted with unfair traffic laws. Fortunately, conditions began to change in 1902 when delegates from nine independent motor clubs representing fewer than 1,000 members came together in Chicago to form the American Automobile Association.
Mission of AAA
Its mission was simple: combat unfair traffic laws and campaign for better roads and more reliable vehicles. And so our tradition of service was born. Over the years, AAA has helped members and the traveling public on numerous fronts - roadside assistance, school safety patrol, driver education, travel and touring information, and lodging and dining recommendations. And along the way, it became one of the most recognized and respected names in the world. Over the past 100-plus years, AAA has grown from serving as the motorist’s ally to offering its members a wide range of products and services.
- Offices Near You - View a list of AAA offices nearby.
- AAA Exchange - Read about AAA's various Consumer Advocacy initiatives such as driver education, tips for kids on getting to and from school safely, senior driving issues & more. Also read educational, informative and in-depth information about AAA's work on behalf of its 46 million members and the traveling public.
- AAA Foundation - Since 1947, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has been dedicated to saving lives by preventing traffic crashes. The Foundation site contains useful information and research to help you remain safe on the road.
- AAA NewsRoom - Provides information about the organization to assist journalists working on stories in which AAA can offer its considerable expertise.
