Page 5 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Spring 2021

Your Membership
AAA offers in-person Driver Training classes at select locations. Classes are taught by Certified Instructors and have no written exams or on-road driving.
New this year! Virtual classes hosted on Zoom by a AAA Southern Pennsylvania Driver Training Instructor are also available. Requirements include a computer with a camera, a microphone, and an internet connection.
Additionally, AAA’s Online RoadWise driver course for those aged 55 and older is an easy-to-use program that allows you to learn at your own pace. Plus, you may qualify for insurance discounts (check with your insurance provider for details).
Full a full list of in-person and virtual classes, as well as to register for AAA’s Online RoadWise driver course, go to AAA.com/DriverTraining.
April showers bring May flowers, but wet roads contribute to over 1 million traffic crashes each year. So as we enter into the Spring rainy season, it's a good idea to follow these tips the next time you're driving in the rain.
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Safety starts well before you hit the road. Your goal is to see and be seen. Check your windshield wipers and replace if they leave streaks or don't clear the glass in a single swipe. Make sure all of your lights (headlights, brake lights, taillights, and turn signals)
are functioning properly.
AVOID CRUISE CONTROL
Most cars nowadays have cruise control features, which work well in dry conditions, however, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase when used in wet conditions. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car's speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control
is engaged.
When driving in wet-weather conditions, it is important to concentrate fully on every aspect of driving. Avoiding cruise control will allow the driver more options to choose from when responding to a potential loss-of-traction situation, thus maximizing your safety.
SLOW DOWN AND LEAVE ROOM
Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car’s chance of hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water. With as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road. Drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway.
To reduce chances of hydroplaning, drivers should slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you. Also, it’s important for motorists to allow ample stopping distance between cars by increasing the following distance of the vehicle in front of them and beginning to slow down to stop for intersections, turns and other traffic early.
SPRING 2021
When planning your household move, you might ask yourself: Should I use a van line? While every situation is unique, van lines add value you might not receive otherwise if attempting a do-it-yourself move or using a relocation service. Agents of
van lines oftentimes hold more
accountability to deliver on promises, and because these agents have access to better equipment, experienced labor, and a wider network, these companies are able to provide better moves. Van lines choose quality agents based on a variety of standards.
In weighing service options, it is important to understand what benefits a van line adds to your move when compared to other options. Great van line perks include:
Experienced people. Van lines bring experience. Although every move is unique, these professionals have faced similar needs or challenges and can think on their feet for appropriate solutions. Agents of van lines consistently deal with every kind of moving challenge imaginable, and use professionals that are trained and experienced. A van line and their agents are able to help you step-by-step and can provide helpful insight and guidance along the way.
Work efficiency. Efficiency is a common approach van lines take to ensure all necessary tasks are accomplished on time. With years of experience, agents of professional van lines have successful systematic approaches for packing, loading, transporting, unpacking and unloading your household goods.
Proper equipment. There is no need to spend extra time wondering how your boxes will make it from point A to point B. Van line agents are responsible for their own equipment, including a safe, clear, well-maintained truck; dollies; lifts; cartons; padding and wrapping, among other necessary items to ensure safe packing, loading and transport. All these items are necessary for moving special items such as vehicles or antiques.
Ethical Reputation. Agents are held accountable by the van line and its agents to deliver on their promises with a high-level of customer service and satisfaction. Many major line van lines have a well-known reputation. It’s advisable to get references from people you know and trust. If that isn’t possible, don’t worry. The industry has established another means — ProMover — which is administered by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). This designation attests officially to a van line’s quality and ethical business practices.
When choosing a van line, giving your trust from start to finish is a big step in the process of a successful household move, but a smart one. One of the benefits of choosing a van line like Atlas is being able to work directly with Atlas from the first call to the last unpacked box.
In addition to saving up to 60 percent or more on state-to-state moves with Atlas Van Lines, AAA members receive up to $100,000 Full Value Protection at no additional charge (an average savings of $560). Savings are also available for across town, within state, and international moves. Across town (local) and within state (intrastate) services are performed under Atlas agent’s authorities. Discounts may vary and are not available in all areas. Call 1-800-621-6547 or visit AAA.com/AtlasVanLines.
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