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Happy Independence Day Virginia! AAA Offers Tips for Safety as Record Numbers Hit the Road for the 4th

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., (June 27, 2017) – AAA expects over 1.2 million people across the Commonwealth to head out to celebrate Independence Day this year and the majority of them, (1,071,495) will be hitting the road during the long holiday weekend. “This Independence Day, families in Virginia will celebrate our nation’s freedom with friends and family,” said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Affairs for AAA Tidewater Virginia. “Students are also celebrating freedom from pencils and books, making this an ideal time for a family vacation. Independence Day is typically the busiest summer travel holiday for this reason, and more Virginian families are planning a holiday getaway using automobile as their mode of transportation.”

AAA offers the following tips to make those road trips both fun and safe.

Car Care Tips:

  • Oil - Check both the level and condition of the car’s motor oil. Consult the owner’s manual for recommended oil change interval and suggested grade of oil.
  • Battery - Make sure the battery terminals and cables are securely attached and free of corrosion.
  • Radiator - Check the antifreeze/coolant level and top off with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water if needed.  Do not remove the radiator pressure cap when the engine is hot.
  • Tires - Check the air pressure and look for damage, bulges, and excessive or uneven tread wear.
  • Windshield Wipers - Make sure your wipers can keep your windshield clean and streak-free.
  • Light and Signals - Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Keep lights clean of dirt and sludge, especially headlights
  • Emergency Kit - The kit should include water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit.

Driving Tips:

  • Check the weather forecasts along your planned route.
  • Make sure you are well rested.
  • Share the driving duties with other passengers.
  • Always Buckle Your Seat Belt.
  • Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind on your driving.
  • Stay abreast of local forecasts both at your departure city and your destination
  • Heed all evacuation advisories and/or orders

Heat Advisory Tips:

 

  • Keep bottled water in your vehicle for all living beings including pets.

  • Before entering a vehicle that has parked in high temperatures, open the vehicle’s door and let the interior cool for a few minutes.

  • A sun shield can be used to cover the windshield to minimize heat build-up and to help protect the automobile’s interior.

  • Cover metal and plastic parts on safety belts and child safety seats to prevent burns.

  • A properly working air conditioning system will also help motorists keep their cool in summer heat. If needed, have the air conditioning serviced by a qualified technician.

     

    As part of North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA Tidewater Virginia provides its more than 325,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding AAA Tidewater Virginia has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  For more information, visit AAA.com and follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/AAATidewaterVA or on Facebook at facebook.com/AAATidewaterVirginia

CST 1016202-80 Copyright © Tidewater Automobile Association of Virginia, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
AAA Tidewater Virginia is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the Tidewater Virginia region (All Hampton Roads cities, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg; Virginia's Eastern Shore; as well as the following counties: Greensville, Surry, Brunswick, Isle of Wight, Gloucester, Lancaster, Middlesex, Richmond County, Southampton, Sussex, Mecklenburg, James City County, York, Lunenburg, Essex, King & Queen, Mathews, Northumberland, and Westmoreland).