ATLANTA — More than 1.1 million Georgians are expected to take a Memorial Day road trip. Unfortunately, thousands of them will have car problems. Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 483,000 stranded motorists over the holiday weekend. The three most common reasons are flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts.
A recent AAA survey found that 61 percent of Georgians plan to get a professional vehicle inspection before their summer road trips. Of these drivers, 19% will carry out their own inspection. However, 14% of Georgians say they don’t plan to have their vehicle inspected before hitting the road this summer.
“A properly maintained vehicle is critical to a successful and safe road trip,” said Montrae Waiters, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group. “We encourage all drivers to do a pre-trip inspection of their tires, battery, brakes, fluids and other essentials. This could help prevent a breakdown before it happens.”
AAA tips for drivers with car problems:
♦ Pull the shoulder as far as possible to create more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic.
♦ Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers know you’re there.
♦ If you can safely get to the next exit or stopping point, do so.
♦ Call for support by phone, website or AAA Mobile app.
♦ Stay in your vehicle if it is safe to do so.
♦ If you get out of the vehicle, watch for oncoming traffic for a long time to get out and stay alert and close to the vehicle. Avoid turning your back on traffic whenever possible.
AAA tips to prevent car problems:
Check Your Tires: At a minimum, AAA recommends checking your tires once a month and before going on a long trip. Pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tread depth. Be sure to inspect all four tires and the spare if your vehicle has one.
Check your battery: The average life of a car battery is usually 3-5 years. If your engine is slow to start and/or your lights are dim, your battery may be nearing the end of its life. Drivers can request a battery checkup at an AAA car care center or an approved auto repair center. AAA can also come to a member’s location to test and, if necessary, replace the battery on site.
Listen and feel the brakes: If you hear a noise or vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.
Replace your wipers and refill your windshield cleaner – rubber wipers naturally degrade over time. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 6-12 months. If the wipers streak or fail to clean the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades.
Top off engine oil and other fluids: Check that engine oil, coolant, and brake, transmission, and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
Safe driving tips
Preparing your vehicle is one thing. It is also important that drivers are personally prepared to focus on the road. AAA provides the following safe driving habits as a reminder to drivers:
Watch Your Speed: For more than two decades, speeding has been implicated in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities.
Watch the road: Distracted drivers kill thousands of people every year. Taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles the risk of an accident. Potential distractions include using a cell phone, eating, drinking, or interacting with other passengers.
Rest: Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. AAA recommends that drivers get plenty of rest before a long road trip. During the ride, take breaks every 100 miles or two hours. Drivers should stop if they are tired.
Drive Sober: Drugs and alcohol negatively affect important brain functions needed to drive safely: judgment, motor skills, memory and reaction time. AAA urges everyone to avoid driving after ingesting any substance that could affect their ability to drive.
Get moving for road workers and stranded motorists:
“AAA roadside technicians will put their lives on the line to rescue the hundreds of thousands of drivers on the road with car trouble,” Waiters said. “We urge drivers to stay focused on the road and their hatches. Whether it’s a rescuer, a tow truck or a disabled vehicle, if you see flashing lights, move over so everyone can get home safely for the holidays.”
