Motorists Seeking A Flawless Family Roadtrip this Fall Can Turn to AAA

Before heading out on your next 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 interests 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.

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.

What to Do Before You Go:

• Have a strategy. Before you plan your next road trip, chart your course by visiting 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 check up. 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 the AAR Shop Locator on AAA.com. Proper vehicle maintenance will help guarantee that you get to your destination safely.
• Timing is everything. As you plan your trip, be sure to allow 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're 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. Driving drowsy is extremely dangerous and results in many crashes and deaths each year.
• 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, arrange to share time behind the wheel with other drivers 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, one should be in tip-top travel shape!