
What are our initiatives?
Traffic safety | Automotive research & information | Advocacy & public policy | Supporting the community
Distracted & impaired driving
AAA provides public education, conducts research through the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, and works with law enforcement and legislators to help reduce these dangerous and preventable driving behaviors. Our safety research has shown traffic crashes are on the rise after decades of decreasing, partly because drivers are taking more risks behind the wheel. Distractions, impairment by alcohol and drugs, and drowsiness inhibit judgment and delay drivers’ reactions to dangerous situations, increasing the likelihood of killing or injuring themselves or others. For teens, the risks are even higher because of their driving inexperience.
Distracted | Drugged | Drunk | Drowsy
Founded in 1965, the Automotive Research Center (ARC) has assisted in establishing practices to reduce vehicle emissions, providing fuel economy information, and informing consumers about the latest vehicle technologies. ARC research initiatives have included:
Autonomous vehicles
Fully self-driving cars won’t be here for a while, but more and more vehicle features are becoming automated each year. AAA provides consumers with important information as vehicle technology advances through motorist surveys, autonomous vehicle feature testing, and other research. This research shows the benefits of autonomous vehicles include improved safety, added road capacity due to vehicles’ ability to travel closer together, better fuel efficiency, and for many, an improved quality of life. However, challenges also exist to build needed infrastructure and protect consumers.
Traffic safety laws & enforcement
AAA promotes laws that are research-based, improve traffic safety, can be effectively enforced, and are fair to motorists. Research shows that:
State traffic laws by topic | Teen driving laws | Impaired driving laws | Child passenger safety laws | Distracted driving laws