The Automobile Club of America played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of early automobile travel by installing signs on major highways. As the popularity of the automobile surged in the United States during the early 1900s, so did the need for clear navigation and safety. Recognizing the challenges faced by drivers, the club initiated a project aimed at installing directional and informational signs along significant routes. This undertaking was not just about convenience but was driven by a growing awareness of the automobile's role in transforming society and enabling more people to travel long distances.

The signs, placed strategically at key intersections and along highways, served to guide motorists who were often unfamiliar with the newly emerging road networks. With the lack of advanced mapping and navigation technology, these signs were essential in promoting safe travel and reducing accidents caused by confusion or misdirection. This installation marked one of the first organized efforts to create a standardized way of communicating crucial information to drivers, paving the way for future infrastructure developments.

As automobiles became more common, the need for regulations and guidelines for drivers started to become apparent. The initiative by the Automobile Club set a precedent for further improvements in road safety and infrastructure, ultimately leading to the establishment of a comprehensive system of road signs across the nation. The club's efforts also highlighted the importance of collaboration between automobile associations and government agencies in creating a foundation for the modern transportation system that we rely on today.