Page 55 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – May 2019

1976
AAA publishes its first “Handicapped Drivers Mobility Guide,” and pioneers a unique safety program, Preschool Children in Traffic, which is aimed at reducing pedestrian fatalities among children under age six. The organization also testifies before the Department of Transportation on the airbag controversy, suggesting that the federal government fleet-test the costly devices before mandating their installation in new cars.
AAA fights and defeats a proposal for the second time that would not allow motorists to deduct state gas taxes on federal income tax returns, having helped defeat a similar proposal in 1964.
At this time in history: The United States Supreme Court rules that the death penalty is constitutional. The U.S. celebrates its bicentennial. A mysterious disease that eventually claims 29 lives strikes the American Legion convention in Philadelphia.
1977
AAA presents the Mexican government with proposals to ensure the safety of travelers after many incidents involving American citizens.
At this time in history: The first woman Episcopal priest is ordained. President Jimmy Carter pardons Vietnam draft evaders. Fifteen countries sign a nuclear proliferation pact curbing the spread of nuclear weapons.
1978
AAA membership reaches 20 million.
The organization introduces a junior high school alcohol awareness program through the Traffic Engineering and Safety Department and provides towing services for 5 million vehicles in a single year. It joins with VISA to develop a new credit card program for AAA members and has become the oldest affinity credit card program in the country.
AAA begins providing the Fuel Gauge Report monthly.
At this time in history: Californians approve Proposition 13, which slashes property taxes by nearly 60 percent.
Karol Cardinal Wojtyla of Poland becomes Pope John Paul II.
1979
AAA is represented on the National Alcohol Fuels Commission when AAA President James B. Creal receives a White House appointment to the commission.
The organization conducts gasohol testing at the Automobile Club of New York to determine the utility of the fuel. In test vehicles, gasohol not only improves gas mileage but caused no engine problems. It also develops the Driver Improvement Program, which is then implemented fleet-wide by the U.S. Navy.
At this time in history: The Shah of Iran leaves his country and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini takes over the country’s leadership. Margaret Thatcher becomes prime minister of England. Iranian militants seize the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and hold hostages.
1980
AAA records 15.6 million emergency road service calls nationwide.
The association gears up for an oil shortage caused by the Iranian hostage situation. AAA President James B. Creal chairs the gasoline rationing task force and serves on the Issue Identification Task Force. He also is appointed to President Carter’s National Council on Energy Efficiency. AAA representatives serving on the president’s Alcohol Fuels Commission are requested to sign the Energy Securities Act of 1980.
AAA begins noting properties in TourBook® guides that provide easier access for disabled persons. The Campground Directory title changes to AAA CampBookTM.
At this time in history: The U.S. breaks diplomatic ties with Iran. Eight U.S. servicemen are killed and five are injured as a helicopter and cargo plane collide in an abortive desert raid to rescue American hostages in Tehran. The Olympic Games open in Moscow
but are boycotted by the U.S. and other nations. Musician John Lennon is killed.
Get to know the history and path ahead of one of the world’s largest membership organizations.
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