Eau Claire, Wis., (June 16, 2026) – Wisconsin State Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp) received the AAA Steering Wheel Award from AAA – The Auto Club Group today, in recognition of his leadership on traffic safety measures during the 2025-2026 legislative session.
“Senator James was an indispensable partner for AAA this session,” said Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “His leadership and dedication were critical to advancing proven policies that will make Wisconsin’s roads safer for everyone.”
Senator James was an author of three bills of great importance to the AAA, two of which were signed into law:
Wisconsin Act 54expanded andstrengthened the state’s Move Over law to better protect stranded motorists and roadside responders. As a result of this law, drivers are now required to move over for a disabled vehicle displaying its hazard lights, emergency flares, or emergency signage or being attended to by one or more persons visible to passing motorists. AAA has been working to expand Move Over laws across the country, and Wisconsin is now the 30th state to provide protections to disabled motorists.
Wisconsin Act 99authorized law enforcement agencies to utilize roadside oral fluid screening to detect the presence of certain drugs when impairment is suspected. Unlike alcohol enforcement, drug-impaired driving investigations often depend on time-consuming blood draws that can delay testing and weaken evidence. Wisconsin is the 25th state to approve the use of this critical tool for identifying drug-impaired drivers.
Senate Bill 395would have prohibited the use of cell phones while driving a motor vehicle, adding Wisconsin to the list of 31 other states with such a law.
“I am extremely honored to be receiving this award from AAA,” said Senator James. “I want to thank everyone who helped draft, testify, and advocate to get these bills across the finish line. Because of AAA and other key advocates, we were able to make Wisconsin’s roads safer, focus our resources on public safety, and protect the people of Wisconsin.”
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG), named a 2026 Forbes Most Trusted Company in America, is the second-largest AAA club in North America, with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG is part of the national AAA federation, which serves more than 66 million members across the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on social media.
