Page 57 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – January 2019

1971
AAA wins the fight to repeal the federal excise tax on automobiles and opposes the use of toll bridge funds for nonmotoring purposes. The Federal Highway Administration sets a legal precedent when it rules against such practices.
The organization signs an agreement with Hertz to make rental cars available to overseas travelers through AAA travel agencies. It becomes the official travel and ticket agent for the Summer Olympics in Munich.
AAA also sees the advancement of drunken-driving education when AAA DWI Counterattack specifications are patterned by Charleston, West Virginia, judiciary in its first DWI school.
At this time in history: The U.S. Supreme Court rules unanimously that busing of students may be ordered to achieve racial desegregation. The United Nations seats Communist China and expels Nationalist China. The U.S. lowers the voting age to 18 by passing the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
1972
AAA membership reaches 15 million.
AAA issues an extensive report, “When Politics and Safety Mix — The Selling of the Air Bag,” an investigative look at the merits of the airbag in passenger cars.
The association successfully opposes wider buses on highways.
At this time in history: President Richard Nixon makes an unprecedented eight-day visit to Communist China. Alabama Governor George C. Wallace is shot at a political rally. Five men are apprehended in an attempt to bug Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate Hotel, Washington, D.C., starting the Watergate scandal. The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the death penalty is unconstitutional.
1973
AAA initiates a weekly Fuel Gauge Report during the Arab oil embargo, advising motorists on gasoline availability, prices and service station hours. After the oil embargo, AAA continues to report gasoline prices during holidays.
It moves the AAA National office to Falls Church, Virginia.
At this time in history: The U.S. bombing of Cambodia ends, marking an official halt to the Vietnam War. In the “Saturday Night Massacre,” President Nixon fires special Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox and Deputy Attorney General William D. Ruckelshaus; Attorney General Elliot L. Richardson resigns. Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigns and pleads guilty to charges of income tax evasion.
1974
AAA meets with President Gerald Ford in the Oval Office to discuss the gas situation.
It publishes a unique instruction manual for towing foreign-made automobiles, and three years later publishes a manual for American-made autos. The publication of these manuals results in an agreement among many automakers that, for the first time in automobile history, towability would be considered in the design of future cars.
AAA is asked to serve on the Federal Energy Administration’s newly created Consumer Affairs and Special Impact Advisory Committee.
At this time in history: President Nixon becomes the first U.S. president to resign from office, doing so one day after the House Judiciary Committee adopts articles of impeachment against him in the Watergate scandal. Gerald R. Ford becomes the 38th U.S. president. The Symbionese Liberation Army kidnaps Patricia Hearst.
1975
AAA membership reaches 17 million.
The organization launches Gas Watchers program with the endorsement of President Ford. The first “Gas Watchers Guide” is published. The program outlines easy steps motorists can take to conserve gasoline in their daily driving.
It also develops the Approved Auto Repair program to help identify competent, reliable repair facilities. The pilot program starts in Washington, D.C., and central Florida.
At this time in history: President Ford escapes two assassination attempts in 17 days. Amid allegations of violations of the cease-fire on both sides, full-scale war resumes in Vietnam. U.S. troops and 140,000 South Vietnamese are evacuated from the area.
Get to know the history and path ahead of one of the world’s largest membership organizations.
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