AAA Western and Central New York is celebrating an anniversary this month. 120 years ago, in the year 1900, Automobile Clubs of Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse were founded by motoring enthusiasts. There were more horses than cars on the roads, yet anxious motorists began organizing automobile clubs excited about the new mode of transportation. The American Automobile Association was founded two years later, in 1902. Today, AAA is comprised of multiple clubs across the country, all part of the national federation. (AAA members receive emergency road service benefits in the United States – as well as in Canada, through the Canadian Automobile Association.)

“As an advocate for traffic safety for 120 years, AAA has always focused on the future of transportation and the support of safe, efficient highways and transportation systems that are accessible and affordable for everyone,” said Tony Spada, President and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “We thank our loyal members for making this notable anniversary possible as we continue to strive to be the most caring organization that anyone can join.”

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

Automotive: Automobile breakdowns have always been a source of frustration to car owners. 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 29 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 six types of insurance: auto, home, life, renters, pet, and commercial; and 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 helps 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 our 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.

Social Media: AAA Western and Central New York can now be found at www.AAA.com, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. See the links below to access our social media channels.

Enjoy these images of AAA through the years.