Via Oregon - September/October 2021 - 5

PRESIDENT'S PAGE
On your side
Since our inception in 1902, our top priority
at AAA has always been member peace
of mind. We're grateful that our members
rely on our expertise, including our legendary
roadside assistance, to make the most
of life's adventures.
Many Americans are traveling again or
planning to do so, and our partners in the
hotel industry have expanded cleaning
protocols to better protect the health and
well-being of their guests. But how can
travelers feel confident that these programs
are being properly implemented?
AAA recently launched " Inspected
Clean " to independently confirm that hotel surfaces meet high standards of cleanliness.
In a first-of-its-kind evaluation process, AAA inspectors have added adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) testing to their on-site reviews. Monitoring for ATP, an
energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things, has long been recognized
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an effective measure
in cleaning and sanitation practices.
In a matter of seconds, AAA inspectors can collect a test sample and receive
the results from an industry-leading machine the size of a large cell phone. If a
surface doesn't meet AAA cleanliness standards, the inspector will perform a
retest of the same surface in another randomly selected room.
As always, hotel properties that fall short on any portion of an unannounced
inspection need to resolve concerns before they can receive a AAA Diamond designation
based on the amenities they offer. For a complete list of AAA Diamond
properties, please visit AAA.com/tourbook.
Of course, life's journey involves more than just a clean, comfortable hotel
room. In addition to the nearly 59,000 hotels and restaurants that AAA inspectors
visit each year, more than 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities are certified
by our automotive experts, who ensure that they have the specialized equipment
and trained professionals needed to get you back on the go. To find a AAA
Approved shop near you, please visit AAA.com/repair.
When you're out exploring, it's good to know that your car, home, and personal
possessions are properly protected. AAA members are entitled to a free, no-obligation
insurance quote from an experienced AAA insurance agent. Please call one of my
colleagues at (866) 222-7868 to make sure you have adequate coverage for your needs.
Wherever the road takes you, AAA will be there to lend a helping hand.
What's your favorite AAA member benefit? Please email me at president@
AAAoregon.com or write to me at 600 SW Market St., Portland, OR 97201.
Your fellow AAA member,
Coach your
teen driver
It's the end of the " 100
Deadliest Days, " the period
between Memorial Day and
Labor Day when teen drivers
are most likely to be involved
in a deadly crash. If your teen
has so far avoided fender
benders and other pitfalls
common with youthful inexperience,
you're likely breathing a
big sigh of relief.
The statistics are sobering
and a stark reminder that parents
should continue to help
their teens develop the skills to
stay safe behind the wheel.
While Americans drove less in
2020, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration's
early estimates show that
38,680 people died in motor
vehicle crashes-the largest
projected number of fatalities
since 2007. This represents an
increase of about 7.2 percent as
compared to 36,096 fatalities
reported in 2019.
Previous AAA research also
indicates that new teen drivers
are three times more likely to
be involved in a deadly crash
than adults. Moreover, most
novice drivers are aware of
their risky behavior: In the AAA
Foundation's most recent
Traffic Safety Culture Index,
about 72 percent of drivers
aged 16 to 18 admitted to making
dangerous choices like
speeding (47 percent), texting
while driving (35 percent), redlight
running (32 percent), and
aggressive driving (31 percent).
So what can parents do to help
prevent a tragedy?
" First, you need to lay the
TIM MORGAN, PRESIDENT & CEO
right foundation. Have your
teen participate in a formal
driver education course to
receive step-by-step instruction
from a certified professional, "
says AAA Oregon Public Affairs
Director Marie Dodds. " Then
AAA | VIA 5
ROBBIE MCCLARAN

http://www.AAA.com/tourbook http://www.AAA.com/repair

Via Oregon - September/October 2021

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