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FYI
AAA Member Benefits Update
Please note: there are three levels of membership-Standard, Plus, and Plus RV. Additional benefits are extended to Plus and Plus RV members.
For more information about any of these member services and benefits, visit our Web site at www.aaa.com, or call or visit the AAA Colorado office nearest you.
24-Hour Emergency Road Service
o Towingo Winching
o Locksmith
o Changing flat tires
o Fuel delivery o Battery boost
o 1-800-AAA-HELP toll-free outside Denver and throughout the United States and Canada
Auto/Highway Travel
o Drive vacation specialisto AAA maps
o AAA TripTik® routing
o AAA TourBooks® and Camp Books®
o Hotel/motel/car and campground reservations
o Travel books, videos and audiotapes
AAA Travel Services
o Travel professionalso Tours
o Hotel
o Cruises
o Rail
o Car rental
o Airline
o Special-occasion travel
Independent Insurance Agency
o Autoo Home
o Life
o Condominium & renter's
o Recreational vehicles & boats
o Long-term care
Auto Buying Services
o New & used cars, trucks & sport utility vehicleso Trade-ins
o Warranties
o Auto loans
o Auto leases
AAA Financial Services
o No-fee travelers chequeso AAA VISA credit cards
AAA Member Discounts
Show Your Card & Save®-show your AAA Colorado membership card where you see the logo and enjoy exclusive values and discounts on quality hotels, restaurants and retail merchandise throughout the United States and Canada.AAA Approved Auto Repair
o Quality auto repair services from AAA-approved facilitieso Repair warranties
o Dispute resolution
Other Valuable Member Services
o Web site, www.aaa.com, provides access to manyAAA products and services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
o Travel and member services extended telephone hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 1-877-244-9790
o Member magazine
o Trip interruption benefits (available to Plus and Plus RV members)
o Automobile theft reward program
o Passport photos
o International Driving Permits
o Member discounts on specially selected luggage and other automotive and travel products
o Weather and road condition information
o 15 offices throughout Colorado
o Advanced ticket sales on certain Disney gate admissions
o Legal fee reimbursement
o Bail/arrest bond
o Complimentary notary service
o Legislative representation on highway, travel and other transportation issues
Other FYI News . . .
AAA in Your Community
AAA employees go the extra mile for charityGetting locked up, running at night and walking in sweltering heat-this past summer, AAA Colorado employees literally threw themselves into important causes in their communities.
Grand Junction AAA Colorado insurance agent Jane Dageenakis, and other local business and community leaders, were "arrested" for the "crime" of having a big heart. As part of the May 30 Muscular Dystrophy Lock-Up, Jane was "booked" and taken to the Texas Roadhouse restaurant where she had to post "bail." Jane raised $212 in one hour by calling family, friends, businesses-and even local bail bond agencies.
Durango AAA Colorado travel agent Jodi Wymore and former coworker Lindsay Grams raised $500 in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The 12-hour relay event started at 8 p.m. on June 7 at Escalante Middle School and ended the next morning at 8 a.m. Team members took turns walking or running to raise money. Jodi and Lindsay each ran for an hour. Their St. Columba team placed second overall in funds raised.
In Denver, AAA Colorado headquarters employees Krista Szubert, Margo Ellis, J.C. Stillman and Kelly Eastlund pounded the pavement for the SafeHouse Denver 5K Run/Walk on June 23. They raised $290 for this organization, which assists battered women and their children.
Mandatory baggage screening may impact air travel
With the new federal aviation security law mandating that bag screening systems be in place at airports nationwide by December 31, serious questions have been raised about the effectiveness of explosive-detection system (EDS) equipment and its ability to process luggage quickly.Testing has literally set off alarms. The EDS machines (recommended by the Transportation Security Administration) measure density, not an object's chemical makeup. Benign nonexplosive items—such as peanut butter, chocolate and knickknacks—can "look" like bombs. While little can be done to improve the false alarm rate, the National Academy of Sciences committee on aviation security assures that the machines are accurate enough to almost always detect bombs.
In Denver, DIA manager of aviation Bruce Baumgartner wants to ensure that any system installed is balanced with traveler convenience. He prefers Heimann scanners, which are reportedly faster—capable of screening 1,000 bags per hour versus 200 per hour for the EDS machines. They're also less costly, with more advanced detection methods than those currently certified by the FAA. The impact on air travel for passengers is potentially great. The sheer amount of luggage moving through American airports could elicit a baggage bottleneck. The airline industry has voiced concerns that flights won't leave on time and air traffic will slow.
Some travelers are opting out of the airport baggage system altogether. To avoid long security lines and flight hassles, they're paying companies such as Virtual Bellhop and the Durango-based SportsExpress to deliver their luggage and sports equipment (skis and golf clubs) to their intended destinations. AAA has not yet tested the reliability of any luggage service companies, however, and therefore cannot endorse any at this time.
As the kinks are being worked out of the new screening system, AAA urges travelers to allow extra time for air travel in the coming months. And most of all, please be patient.
A breathtaking photo-journey through the world's national parks
Satisfy your traveler's spirit of adventure and whet your appetite for a great vacation with AAA's The Great National Parks of the World.This handsome 320-page hardbound volume showcases 52 magnificent national parks in Europe, Africa, Asia, the South Seas, and North and South America. The authors are scientists and nature lovers, so this collection transcends the "coffee-table book" genre. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the amazing four-color photographs as well as the informative details on the history, geography, wildlife and vegetation of each park. Locator maps of each area are also included.
A great gift idea or the perfect addition to your home library, the book retails for $49.95. AAA members can purchase a copy for only $37.50 at any AAA office, by calling 1-877-AAA-BOOK or online through e-Store: Books & More! at www.aaa.com. The book is also available at retail outlets and bookstores at full price.
T-REX first-year update
T-REX is now one year old. Progress on the I-25/I-225 southeast corridor continues with lane realignments; construction of a temporary Steele Street pedestrian bridge; the demolition of the Franklin, Steele, and Washington Street bridges; and headway on Light Rail design. While the project's fall 2006 completion deadline remains on schedule, an end to construction zone frustration is another four years away. To help ensure a safer, less stressful T-REX experience, AAA offers these tips:- Allow extra time to get to where you're going.
- Stay alert. Turn off cell phones, turn down the radio, keep kids quiet.
- Read the road. Watch for work-zone signs and other safety information.
- Be courteous. Give other drivers a break to prevent accidents and traffic bottlenecks.
- Follow speed limits. More than eight out of 10 people killed in work-zone accidents are drivers.
- Adhere to lane change restrictions.
- Maintain adequate distance. Leave ample space between you and other vehicles. Keep a safe distance from roadway workers.
'Tis the season for car care
October is National Car Care Month—the perfect time to prepare your car for winter. Maintaining your vehicle can save you money on costlier repairs. It's also a good way to protect your investment and ensure your safety. Throughout October, AAA members can receive a free basic, visual vehicle maintenance check at participating AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) stations. An appointment is required, so call ahead. Some restrictions may apply.Other free Car Care Month offers:
o A tire gauge from AAA Show Your Card & Save® partner, NAPA Auto Parts. Available at local AAA offices during the month of October (one per AAA member, while supplies last).
o A "Car Maintenance 101" class at Addison Auto Center in Denver, Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. The hour-long class will cover winter preparedness, jump starting, changing a tire, and how to communicate with your repair shop. Space is limited and reservations required. Call Betty at 303-691-9484.
AAA Insurance V.P. elected to SAFECO Advisory Council
Joe Lesher, AAA Colorado Vice President of Insurance Services, was one of several independent insurance agents from across the country recently elected to the SAFECO's Region Advisory Council.Lesher will help address strategic regional matters and spearhead the creation of state advisory councils.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for AAA Colorado to influence the decision-making at one of the country's largest insurance companies," Lesher said.
AAA Colorado offers auto, home, life and long-term care insurance from a number of the region's most competitive and highly rated insurance companies. As an independent agent, AAA Colorado is better able to put their members' and clients' needs first. For an insurance quote, call your local AAA office or visit www.aaa.com.
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