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Jana Tidwell
Public Relations Manager, PA
O: (302) 299-4426
C: (302) 353-6563
jtidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

Kathleen Zinszer
Sr. Public Aff. Specialist, CT/DE/NJ/PA
O: (302) 299-4168
C: (610) 291-7312
KZinszer@aaamidatlantic.com

AAA Mid-Atlantic: Extreme Heat will Exact a Heavy Toll on Motorists,
Their Passengers and Vehicles

PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 11, 2017) – Triple digit heat indexes are heading this way and can prove dangerous for mankind and metal alike. During the next few days Philadelphia area residents will experience excessive heat coupled with high humidity, making it feel like it’s 100 degrees.

When outside temperatures are 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, as forecast for the days ahead, the interior of cars parked in direct sunlight can easily reach between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, putting children five and younger, adults over 65, pregnant or nursing mothers, and persons with disabilities or pre-existing medical conditions, at risk of heat stroke and heat prostration. It only takes just 15 minutes for a child left inside a hot vehicle to suffer life-threatening brain, liver and kidney injuries.

AAA Mid-Atlantic Urges Motorists To ACT:

  • A—Avoid heatstroke by never leaving a child in the car alone, not even for a minute. 
  • C—Create electronic reminders or put something in the backseat you need when exiting the car - for example, a cell phone, purse, wallet, briefcase or shoes.  Always lock your car and never leave car keys or car remote where children can get to them.
  • T—Take action and immediately call 9-1-1- if you notice a child unattended in a car.

“It is a given, extreme temperatures pose a risk to the health of drivers and the vehicles they drive, especially if their cars aren’t ready for the extreme heat,” says Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Many summertime breakdowns could be prevented with proper maintenance. That’s why it’s even more critical to ensure your vehicle is properly prepared to meet the summer heat.”

Preventive Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Before hitting the road:

  • Heat kills batteries. Make sure you have a strong battery that is up to the challenge by having your battery tested.
  • Check all fluids including the coolant level in the overflow tank and top off as needed. If the engine is cool, check the level in the radiator as well. Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot, you can be seriously scalded.
  • Inspect your brakes, shocks, filters, and pump.
  • Motorists should have the cooling system flushed and new coolant installed when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Depending on the type of coolant used, this is typically necessary every two to five years.
  • Keep your tires at normal pressure. Soft tires generate heat, which can lead to a blowout.

Once on the road:

  • Keep an eye on your gas, oil and engine temperature gauges. 
  • In heavy traffic during a heat wave, don’t tailgate the car ahead. It can stress a car’s cooling system when it sucks in hot exhaust fumes.
  • Should you overheat, pull off the road, shut the engine off immediately and allow the vehicle to cool.

“For safety’s sake, every driver should have a well-stocked emergency kit that includes a mobile phone and car charger; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit; drinking water; extra snacks/food for your travelers and any pets; battery booster cables; and emergency flares or reflectors,” added Tidwell.

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Mailing Address:
7777 Brewster Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19159

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania.  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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TEDx Wilmington Salon

Who's in the Driver's Seat? The Transformation of Transportation

On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, AAA and TEDx Wilmington held the first TEDx Salon dedicated to ideas worth spreading in transportation.

This event had:

  • 12 live talks given by 13 speakers
  • 368 people in attendance at the live event
  • More than 7,500 viewed the event online through Livestream, viewing events, and on the AAA Associate network
  • Online viewers came from all 50 states and approximately 30 countries around the world

View a slideshow from the event

This TEDx WilmingtonSalon was organized in partnership with AAA

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