President’s Letter: Experiencing the Future of Transportation

The automotive industry is undergoing a period of rapid innovation, with new technologies and trends emerging at an unprecedented pace. Throughout our 125-year history, AAA has always been centered around people helping people—not only with our world-renowned roadside assistance, but also in keeping up with the rapid evolution of automotive technologies. That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to visit Waymo’s autonomous vehicle facility in Phoenix. 

If you’re not familiar with Waymo, it’s an advanced technology company developing self-driving cars that navigate roads and traffic without human drivers. Now, I’m no stranger to the open road. But handing over the wheel to a computer? That requires a whole new level of trust. The way these vehicles navigate real-world traffic scenarios, anticipate potential hazards, and—most importantly—prioritize safety was truly impressive. 

There were times when the vehicle felt overly cautious. For instance, while taking an unprotected left turn through oncoming traffic, I found myself backseat driving, expecting a more aggressive maneuver to seize opportunities in the traffic flow. Reflecting on this, I can’t help but think that perhaps our driving behaviors and expectations have unconsciously shifted over time to accept greater risk. If the computer is programmed to prioritize safety above all, then shouldn’t we do the same? 

My Waymo visit provided a glimpse into the future of personal transportation and the transformative potential of self-driving technology. It also underscored for me the importance of AAA remaining actively engaged with industry stakeholders, policymakers, and safety experts to ensure a smooth and responsible transition to an autonomous future. 

The road ahead is filled with exciting possibilities. As we collectively travel that road, I’m relieved to know that leaders in this space, such as Waymo, are aligned with the principle that has guided AAA for more than a century: Safety over speed.

Driving forward with gratitude and optimism,

Marshall L. Doney

President and CEO