AAA predicts that over 2.1 million Floridians will take a road trip for Memorial Day, with Friday being the busiest day on the roads. The best time to be on the road on Friday is before noon or after 6 p.m. More than 37 million Americans are expected to drive more than 50 miles this holiday weekend, and AAA expects to rescue over 483,000 stranded motorists nationwide. The three most common reasons for rescues are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts. AAA recommends getting a pre-trip inspection of tires, battery, brakes, fluids, and other basics to prevent breakdowns. If experiencing car trouble, AAA advises safely pulling over, turning on hazard lights, and calling for assistance.
As featured on AAA, more than 2.1 million Floridians are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend. The busiest day for travel is predicted to be Friday, with more than 37 million Americans driving more than 50 miles this holiday weekend.
If you’re planning to drive this holiday weekend, AAA recommends hitting the road before noon on Friday or any time after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest traffic. However, with so many people on the road, AAA expects to rescue more than 483,000 stranded motorists nationwide during the holiday weekend. The three most common reasons for these rescues are flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.
To avoid becoming one of these stranded motorists, AAA recommends getting a professional vehicle inspection before your summer road trip. In fact, a recent AAA survey found that 52% of Floridians plan to do just that. However, 21% of Floridians say they have no plans to get a vehicle inspection before hitting the road this summer.
“A properly maintained vehicle is critical for a successful and safe road trip,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We encourage all drivers to get a pre-trip inspection of their tires, battery, brakes, fluids, and other basics. This could help prevent a breakdown before it happens.”
In addition to getting a vehicle inspection, AAA also offers tips for drivers who experience car trouble on the road. If you must stop immediately, pull over as far as safely possible to create more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers are aware you are there, and call for assistance. Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so, and if you must get out of your vehicle, watch for a good time to exit and remain alert and close to your vehicle.
To prevent car problems from happening in the first place, AAA recommends checking your tires at least once a month and before taking a long trip. Pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tread depth, and be sure to inspect all four tires and the spare tire if your vehicle has one. AAA also recommends checking your battery, as the average car battery life is typically 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. Visual signs of damage or corrosion are other indicators of deterioration.
With a little preparation and caution, you can avoid becoming one of the many stranded motorists on the road this Memorial Day weekend. Take the time to get a vehicle inspection and check your tires and battery before hitting the road, and remember AAA’s tips for drivers who experience car trouble on the road. Safe travels!
