CINCINNATI, Oh. (December 16, 2019) –With additional snow and ice projected to hit the Cincinnati tri-state area this afternoon and into Tuesday’s commute, AAA is sending reminders of the importance of preparation. Members of the AAA Roadside Rescue Team and AAA Corporate Travel agents are busy assisting members in a variety of ways from installing new vehicle batteries to re-routing travel itineraries.                                                             

“This is a ‘perfect storm’ for AAA and our main priority is assisting our members to reach their destinations—whether it be by car or plane—safely,” says Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “Preparation is key for weather conditions such as what we are experiencing now.”

AAA offers the following tips to travelers:

Air Travelers

• Check with your travel agent and travel providers for cancellation policies and itinerary changes.
• Monitor weather conditions regularly, both in your departure and destination cities.
• Check your flight status before leaving for the airport. Consider signing up for text or mobile app alerts from your airline for the latest flight information.
• When flying, bring essentials in your carry-on bag such as a change of clothing and medication in case travel schedules change.
• Check with your hotel for local updates on potential weather impacts.
• Check your travel insurance policy for details on coverage in the event of severe inclement weather. 

Road Travelers

• Turn off cruise control: Avoid using cruise control when icy conditions are likely.
• Buckle up: Each and every passenger (including pets) should be properly restrained.
• Put down the phone: Eliminate all distractions while driving including phones and other electronic devices.
• Slow Down, Move Over: Remember the “Move Over” law when first responders, waste collection worker, tow truck drivers and emergency roadside assistance workers are assisting motorists along multi-lane roadways.
• Use extreme caution on bridges and overpasses: Black ice typically forms first in shaded areas of the roadway and on bridges and overpasses that freeze first and melt last. Although the road leading up to a bridge may be fine, the bridge itself could be a sheet of ice.
• See and be seen: Remove snow/ice from the hood, roof, truck, lights, windows and mirrors.
• Slow down and give yourself more room: Increase following distance to at least 10 seconds.
• Stay in your lane: Avoid changing lanes, especially if snow and ice are built up between lanes
• Do not tailgate: normal following distances of three to four seconds on dry pavement should be extended to a minimum of eight to ten seconds when driving on slippery surfaces. The extra time will provide additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary. 
• Accelerate gently: If tires lose grip and start to spin, let off on the accelerator.
• Pay close attention on hills: When approaching a hill observe how other drivers are responding and keep far enough behind the vehicle ahead of you so that you will not have to slow down or stop. Once you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed as slowly as possible.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes: A skid can occur when you apply the brakes so hard that one or more wheels lock. Should a skid occur try to remain calm and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
• Keep an emergency kit in the car: Keep a kit stocked with a fully charged cellphone and charger, snow/ice scraper, blanket, extra gloves, hats, flares or brightly colored hazard triangle, shovel, de-icer, kitty litter or sand and non-perishable snacks.
• Check your AAA membership status. Before you need service is the best time to check that you have service. Make sure your membership is up to date and the selected service level matches your lifestyle needs. AAA has varying levels of membership to fit every budget and lifestyle.

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly two and a half million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com. 

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