Before Your Family Leaves for that Spring Break Trip…

Important tips from AAA before you hit the road

Hamilton, NJ (March 27, 2017) — Spring break getaways kick-off the beginning of the travel season. According to a recent AAA survey, more than one-third of Americans (35 percent) are planning to take a vacation of 50 miles or more away from home. And while most families (70 percent) aim to take one or two vacations, at least 28 percent are planning to take three or more — a 13 percent increase from 2016. Road trips (79 percent) remain the preferred type of getaway.

AAA encourages travelers to prepare for these much anticipated family vacations. Although you may be excited to pack the suitcase, throw it in the car and hit the road, AAA has important tips to ensure your plans run as smoothly as possible:

Have your vehicle inspected before setting off on a long trip. Routine preventative maintenance is critical to keeping your vehicle running well and helping avoid breakdowns, which would certainly throw a wrench in your spring break vacation. Always check the big three: batteries, tires and fluids.

All AAA car care locations offer free bumper-to-bumper vehicle inspections and AAA membership is not required. In addition, select locations provide free air and electric car charging stations.

• Map your route in advance. Be prepared for busy roads during the popular spring break travel season.
• Remember “safety first”. Make sure everyone is properly restrained by a seat belt or child safety seat to prevent injury in case of a sudden stop, swerve, or collision. Make sure any loose objects are secured in the vehicle. Keep anything of value in the trunk or covered storage area.
• Rest up. Get plenty of sleep before the trip, travel at times when you are normally awake, and schedule breaks every two hours or 100 miles to avoid becoming drowsy. Research done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that drowsy driving is a factor in an average of 328,000 crashes annually, including 109,000 crashes that resulted in injuries and 6,400 fatal crashes.
• Charge and stock up. Keep a cellphone and car charger with you at all times in case of an emergency. In addition, pack an emergency road kit containing a flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, warning devices, a first-aid kit, drinking water and snacks, and a basic tool kit.

 AAA travel tools

• Contact your local AAA office for the expert advice of a trusted travel advisor who can provide personalized service and first-hand destination knowledge to create a memorable vacation experience.
• Download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can be used to map a route, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, find nearly 59,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, request roadside assistance and more. For more information or to begin planning a trip, go online to AAA.com/Travel.
•  Wondering how much to budget for gas? Visit AAA Fuel Cost Calculator for a customized estimate of fuel costs based on your vehicle type, destination and current gas prices.

 Follow us on Twitter: @AAANJNews

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 56 million members nationwide and nearly two million members in New Jersey. 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  https://aaa.com