AAA turns 100 years old today

The American Automobile Association today is celebrating 100 years of nationwide service and membership by starting a new campaign to protect its members’ families.

The AAA is kicking off its “Seated, Safe and Secure Campaign,” targeted at its members with children still in car seats.

The program promotes car seat education to parents. It suggests the use of a booster seat for a child who has outgrown his or her car seat instead of a seat belt, which is built for a 5-foot, 10-inch man, AAA Public Relations Director Bevi Norris said.

According to the Ohio Revised Code, children who weigh less than 40 pounds or who are under the age of 4 must ride in car seats.

The local AAA is celebrating the national anniversary at its office, 130 E. State St., in addition to city recognition. Mayor Ric Abel declared today “AAA Day” in Athens. He signed a proclamation honoring the agency for its service.

The local AAA is offering refreshments at its office in addition to a raffle with a grand prize of a cruise, former Athens AAA Manager Meryl Frederick said.

AAA provides road service, directions and travel accommodations for its members.

It began in 1902 as a lobby for new roads, because with motorists driving on fields and dirt paths there was no need for road service, Norris said.

The organization has grown significantly during the past 100 years.

“AAA started in 1902 in Chicago with 1,500 members, which has now grown nationally to 44 million,” Norris said.

The organization grew locally as well.

Regionally, AAA began with 63 people who joined the organization because they were automobile owners. But as automobiles became more affordable, more people began joining AAA. Membership grew to more than 1.3 million regional members, Norris said.

 

— Geetha Natarajan