Don't Wreck Your Summer Road Trip

AAA offers tips to keep you driving smoothly during summer vacation

ORLANDO, Fla., May 21, 2008; The summer vacation season kicks off this month with the Memorial Day weekend, and millions of Americans will hit the road in the coming months en route to their summer getaways. AAA notes that ensuring your summer road trip goes smoothly starts well before you take to the highway.

No one wants to spend their vacation stranded on the roadside, but last summer AAA responded to more than seven million calls for roadside assistance from June to August.

"The secret to a successful and fun-filled summer road trip is advance planning of your journey and preparation of your vehicle," said Marshall L. Doney, AAA Automotive vice president. "AAA encourages travelers to take time prior to their road trip to inspect their vehicle, map out and plan their trip and make sure they have the right supplies for their journey."

Detailed advice for those planning long-distance summer road trips is available to reporters and producers on AAA's national media NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.

Running out of gas or getting lost can severely dampen the excitement of a road trip vacation. Plan your route in advance by getting up-to-date, accurate maps and routing information. With the help of an online service such as the TripTik(R) Travel Planner on AAA.com, you can also find gas stations, lodgings and restaurants along your route.

Preparing your vehicle in advance of your road trip can help reduce the likelihood of mechanical problems during your trip. An in-depth list of items to check prior to hitting the road is available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.

Motorists can perform many of the vehicle preparation recommendations themselves. However, it is usually a good idea to have a trained technician look over your vehicle before an extended road trip. If you need assistance locating a qualified technician in your area, visit the Automotive section of AAA.com to locate a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility in your area. Approved Auto Repair facilities are certified by AAA to meet and maintain high professional standards.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.