Page 50 - The Magazine of AAA Ohio Auto Club – November 2020

AAA experts share their views on AAA today
My career with AAA Ohio Auto Club began in
August 2001 as a part-time Emergency Road Service call receiver while attending college. Just after my AAA journey began, the unforgettable event of 9/11 occurred. That event had a profound impact on the travel side
of business at AAA. And yet, the association prevailed and I continued on in various positions within the club. During my 19-year career, I have been afforded several opportunities to be immersed in the AAA organization at both the local and national levels. In January of this year, I was appointed an executive officer of AAA Ohio Auto Club. Similar to the time of my initial hiring, this personal life event was quickly followed by another tragedy –
the COVID-19 pandemic.
As I reflect on these major events, as well as the other undulations during my tenure, I am reminded of the things AAA is founded on: safety, security and peace
of mind. I also am reminded that it is the responsibility
of every AAA employee to see those tenets through in good times and in tough times.
This has become particularly obvious to me, as I am now responsible for the oversight of our Emergency Road Service network. The men and women of this foundational AAA division have always remained focused on its mission to provide unmatched emergency road service every time – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – even during a pandemic. We at AAA are so proud of them.
Our Emergency Road Service team at AAA Ohio responds to about 400,000 calls for assistance each year. We also replace about 25,000 batteries a year, an issue we generally see in the cold of winter and the heat of summer.
Every day during the workweek, I drive about 110 roundtrip miles from the sleepy town of Bellville, Ohio, to the AAA Ohio headquarters in Worthington. Daily,
I go through the emotions of anger and sadness as
I see the motoring public not abiding by Ohio’s Move Over law, which is putting our Emergency Road Service technicians’ lives at risk.
An analysis conducted by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that the towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private industries combined. Specifically, motor vehicle tow operators have an annual fatality rate of nearly 43 deaths per 100,000 workers.
The roadside can be a scary, dangerous place. Please, if you see flashing lights, slow down and move
Andy Miller
Senior Vice President, Operations
AAA Ohio Auto Club
The men and women of this foundational AAA division have always remained focused on its mission to provide unmatched emergency road service every time – 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year – even during a pandemic.
over. Those flashing lights on our trucks mean we’re trying to help someone in need.
AAA Ohio recently teamed up with the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Turnpike to produce a video reminding motorists of Ohio’s Move Over law and its importance. I urge you to view this short video on AAA Ohio’s Facebook page.
As we near winter, please ensure your vehicle is prepared. Our AAA Approved Auto Repair and AAA Car Care Plus locations can help you with this.
Should you find yourself in need of Emergency Road Service, know that we are here to help when an issue occurs. Emergency Road Service can be requested online at AAA.com, through the AAA mobile app, or by calling 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357). Be sure to have your AAA membership card and a photo ID handy.
And remember, as a AAA member you can call for service even if you are a passenger riding in someone else’s vehicle.
Drive safe and thank you for your membership.
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