AAA Western and Central New York is celebrating its 125th anniversary this month. In the year 1900, Automobile Clubs of Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse were founded by early motoring enthusiasts excited about the new mode of transportation - at a time when horses still outnumbered cars. The American Automobile Association was founded two years later, in 1902. Today, AAA is a national federation of clubs, offering members emergency road service benefits in the United States - as well as in Canada, through the Canadian Automobile Association.

“I’m proud to say that AAA Western and Central New York is now more than 850,000 members strong - that’s enough to pack the new Bills stadium nearly 14 times,” explained Marke Dickinson, President and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “We’re now so much more than roadside assistance. Over the years, we’ve expanded to offer trusted insurance coverage, expert travel planning, and exclusive discounts since peace of mind goes beyond the road. Through it all, one thing has stayed the same: our commitment to serving and supporting our members wherever they need us.”

Here’s a look at some of AAA’s history that has evolved over the years:

Automotive: In 1915, AAA was the first to introduce a service for stranded motorists, and it is now one of the most valued features of a AAA membership. Calls for roadside assistance average 32 million annually across the country.

Travel: Just five years after its founding, AAA established a bureau of touring information to supply members with all available data on roads, hotels, service facilities and motor vehicle laws. AAA Western and Central New York is now the largest travel agency in Upstate New York.

Insurance: AAA Western and Central New York provides a variety of insurance options: auto, home, life, renters, pet, commercial, and specialty for RVs snowmobiles and more; insurance policies can be issued through multiple carriers.

Traffic Safety: AAA has always been an advocate for traffic safety. In 1920, the AAA-sponsored School Safety Patrol program — children protecting classmates from traffic dangers — was established and expanded nationwide. AAA Western and Central New York provides hundreds of area schools with safety patrol materials every year.

Member Experience: From everyday purchases to life-changing experiences, AAA is a trusted source of discounts and rewards that help members take life from good to better every day. AAA Discounts & Rewards® offers savings opportunities with popular merchants at more than 100,000 partner locations throughout the United States.

Fuel: During the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s, AAA initiated weekly Fuel Gauge Reports — a canvassing of stations across the nation to advise motorists on gasoline availability, prices and hours of operation. AAA still provides weekly gas prices reports to the media and to motorists on social media and via the AAA Mobile App.

Mobile App: The free AAA Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, and Android can also be used to map a route, find discounts, book a hotel, find gas prices, and access AAA roadside assistance. Learn more at www.AAA.com/Mobile.

Social Media: To stay up to date on news from AAA Western and Central New York, simply go to www.AAA.com, or find AAA WCNY on social media including X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, and YouTube.

 
Enjoy these images of AAA through the years.