Page 34 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – September/October 2021

Flawless Family Road Trip Tips by AAA
Before heading out on a family outing, AAA encourages motorists to plan their moves with the help of AAA. Every
fall, millions of families nationwide gear up to visit friends and family for the holidays. Therefore, in the interest of keeping road travel safe, cost-effective and efficient, AAA would like to provide motorists with some family-friendly tips that can make your planning efforts just about flawless.
It’s no secret that getting the family together for a road trip can be quite an exercise. And between heavy traffic, inclement weather, bored or restless children and driver fatigue, the process of “getting there” can test anyone’s patience.
However, some diligent planning for everything from fuel costs to rest stops will make the experience more enjoyable and less frustrating. Therefore, before the holiday season gets underway, AAA would like to provide motorists with some family-friendly advice that will keep you safe, sound and smiling.
BEFORE YOU GO
Have a strategy. Before you plan your next road trip, chart your course with AAAMaps.com for point-to-point driving directions. By planning ahead and determining which routes
to take, you can get to your destination in a timely manner and identify any show your card discount opportunities and family attractions that you might want to visit along the way. No access to the internet? No problem! Contact your nearest AAA travel office to have a AAA TripTik custom made for you.
Budget. Motorists can forecast the retail cost of fuel for their trip based on their specific vehicle’s make and model year by visiting Fuelcostcalculator.com.
Get a checkup. Prior to heading out, have your vehicle inspected by a certified auto technician like those employed
at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. To locate a shop near you, visit AAA.com/AAR. Proper vehicle maintenance will help guarantee that you get to your destination safely.
Timing is everything. Allow for extra time for unexpected traffic or other factors beyond your control that could reduce your average travel speed.
WHILE ON THE ROAD
Start fresh. Don’t leave early in the morning after staying up late to pack your clothes and load your vehicle. Instead, pack earlier, get a full night’s sleep and set out when you are fresh and rested.
See the light. Try to do most of your traveling during daylight hours when visibility is best. However, if you find yourself driving into the glare of a rising or setting sun, consider taking a break until the lighting conditions improve.
Stay alert while at the wheel. Keep in mind that caffeine’s effects are only temporary; once they wear off you could experience an even greater degree of sleepiness.
Take a break. A good rule of thumb is to make a rest stop every two hours or 100 miles, especially if you are traveling with children and pets. To avoid driver fatigue, share driving time with others in your party.
Be safe. Make sure all passengers are secured properly with safety belts and child safety seats where appropriate. Choose the proper type of safety seats for your children, and make sure they are properly installed. Studies have found that up to 90% of safety seats are not installed correctly.
Once motorists have completed their trip planning efforts and performed proper vehicle maintenance, they should be in tip-top travel shape!
AUTOMOTIVE
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