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| Fourth of July Holiday Travel Expected to Increase 17.1 Percent, Says AAA (posted by Public Affairs on July 2 @ 12:25 ) |
| AAA is projecting the number of Americans traveling this Fourth of July holiday weekend will increase 17.1 percent from 2009, with approximately 34.9 million travelers taking a trip at least 50 miles away from home, according to AAA Southern New England. Last year 29.8 million traveled during the same period. The 2010 Fourth of July travel period is defined as Thursday, July 1 to Monday, July 5. “The landscape of the U.S. economy is in a much different place than it was one year ago,” said Lloyd P. Albert, AAA Southern New England Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “It’s encouraging to see such growth this summer as Americans take to the road to visit family, friends, and great vacation destinations.” Trips by automobile are expected to increase in popularity this Fourth of July with 90 percent of travelers, or 31.4 million people, reaching their destination by driving. This is an increase of 17.7 percent from last year’s 26.7 million motor vehicle travelers. Air travel is expected to increase by 8.2 percent with 1.56 million holiday flyers expected. “AAA travel agents continue to report double-digit increases in the percentage of travelers making advanced reservations for cruises,” Mr. Albert added, “and vacation packages and online hotel bookings via AAA.com are up over last year – all of which are positive signs pointing to an increase in the number of Americans traveling this Fourth of July holiday.” Fourth of July travel in the New England region is expected to outpace the national estimates. More than 1.7 million New Englanders are expected to take to the roads, skies, and other means of transportation, a 19.2 percent increase over last year. AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/IHS Global Insight 2010 Fourth of July holiday forecast can be found at AAA.com/news. Not a Picnic for Cars AAA also cautions that the Fourth of July marks the busiest travel holiday for roadside assistance calls. As temperatures rise, vehicles are put to the test. Without preventive maintenance the summer heat increases the likelihood of a motorist experiencing a vehicle failure, leaving them unexpectedly stranded on the side of the road. AAA estimates that nationwide it will come to the aid of 520,000 stranded motorists during the holiday weekend. Batteries can be especially affected by heat and AAA anticipates it will replace 30,000 auto batteries on the roadside and jump start an additional 60,000 during the holiday weekend. The nation’s largest motor club will also aid 85,000 motorists locked out of their vehicles and change 75,000 flat tires. |
| Number of Memorial Day Holiday Travelers Expected to Increst 5.4 Percent, Says AA (posted by Public Affairs on May 20 @ 10:45 ) |
| The number of Americans expected to travel on vacation this Memorial Day weekend will increase 5.4 percent from 2009 with approximately 32.1 million travelers taking a trip away from home, according to AAA Southern New England. “While the economy continues to be rocked by waves of occasional uncertainty, improved economic performance from one year ago should cause more Americans to take vacations this Memorial Day holiday weekend,” said Lloyd P. Albert, AAA Southern New England Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “AAA travel agents nationwide are reporting double-digit increases in the percentage of travelers making advanced bookings for tours and cruises. Hotel bookings via AAA.com are increasing, and AAA’s many travel industry partners have reported improved business conditions this spring.” Trips by auto are expected to increase in popularity with 87 percent or 28 million people reaching their destination by driving. This is an increase of 5.8 percent from last Memorial Day when 26.4 million travelers went by motor vehicle. New England is expected to be one of the leading regions for growth in the county, with a 7.7 percent increase in travel over a year ago. Auto travel by New Englanders is expected to be up 8.1 percent, with another 4.7 percent increase for those traveling by air. AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by Boston-based HIS Global Insight. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. |
| AAA Releases Its Top Vehicle Picks For Commuters (posted by Public Affairs on March 23 @ 09:01 ) |
| AAA released its top vehicle picks for commuters today. Long commutes have become an increasingly common daily activity for many Americans, and having the right vehicle for those long drives is key not only to saving money and being environmentally-friendly, but also staying safe and comfortable during many hours on the road. The average motorist spends about 41 minutes a day traveling about 22.5 miles roundtrip to/from work in personal vehicles, according to the National Household Travel Survey. AAA Auto Buying’s team of experts, who test drive and review hundreds of vehicles for the AAA AutoMaker vehicle research web site (AAA.com/AutoMaker), have compiled a list of their top vehicle picks for commuters based upon practicality, safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and affordability. AAA’s Top Picks for Commuter Vehicles Honda Insight: This car is among the ultimate in gasoline fuel economy while being reasonably comfortable for the driver and front-seat passenger. It’s also less costly and more fun to drive than some of its hybrid competitors. Ford Fusion: Four-cylinder versions offer an appealing combination of power, riding comfort and handling competence. The Hybrid offers even more economy, but the fuel savings come with a major bump in the purchase price. Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Everything that you ever hated about diesels has been exorcised in this latest version of the Volkswagen diesel engine. It is quiet, with just a trace of diesel clatter at idle; peppy, especially when underway; and every bit as economical as the most miserly hybrids. It’s also great fun to drive and comfortable front seats are a plus. Hyundai Elantra: The new Blue edition is good for 35 miles per gallon. The fourth generation Elantra also is reasonably accommodating for a driver and three passengers with the interior nicely done. The 10-year/100,000 mile warranty suggests that you could keep this car in the daily commuting grind for years. Subaru Legacy/Outback: These new models with their horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engines perform very well, and with their redesign for 2010, they now offer much better fuel economy and enhanced rear seat leg room. And for commuters facing snowy rides to work, the all-wheel drive helps ensure you will make it to work every time. onda Civicfordable, dependable, economical and comfortable, the Civic is one of the better compacts for a wide range of uses, including commuting. For drivers who want to enjoy the trip even more, the 197 horsepower Si sedan deserves a careful look. Chevolet Malibu: Stylish inside and out, the Malibu also is a competent performer on the road. Four-cylinder models offer more than enough power for the daily commuter and promise decent fuel economy. The passenger cabin is nicely finished and roomy, both in the front and rear, making it a good choice for carpooling. Honda Accord: Good for the commute and good for family transportation, the Accord is roomy, solid and economical when equipped with the four-cylinder engine. It also offers road manners that are beyond reproach. Mazda3: The body for 2010 may not be to everyone’s taste, but there is no arguing with its crisp handling and above average power for the compact field. Fuel economy also is good. The ride can be a little flinty, so commuters facing long stretches of neglected urban highways may want to look elsewhere. However, for people who enjoy driving, the handling will more than make up for a few abrupt ride motions. Commuter Vehicles Offering Efficiency and More Practicality is an important factor that many commuters look for when seeking the ideal vehicle for long commutes. However, AAA Auto Buying experts understand that some want a vehicle that can serve dual purposes such as an efficient commuter vehicle that addresses needs for family or recreation or desires for luxury or fun. Because of this, AAA offers their picks for vehicles that can help address consumers’ secondary needs while still providing a smart choice for long commutes. Mini Cooper: A premium subcompact, the Mini is both sporty and economical with fuel. Few cars are as much fun to drive. Commuters will be able to take one passenger only and the purchase price is higher than you might expect, based on size alone. However, few cars are as enjoyable on the road or offer as many safety features. Commuters might even choose to take the long way home. Chevrolet Corvette: Who says the drive to work has to be boring? The Corvette is anything but, and when driven appropriately, it can even return near-compact car fuel economy of around 26 mpg on the highway. Buick Enclave: Handling the commute for up to eight people, the Enclave combines an exceptionally quiet ride with competent handling and surprising room in all three rows. It makes for a smart choice for those seeking a large family vehicle on the weekends. Mercedes-Benz GL: Roomy seating for seven, unexcelled refinement, all-wheel drive and the option of a surprisingly economical (for the vehicle size) diesel engine make this a highly desirable commuter for multi-adult carpools. Volkswagen GTI: Sporty, fun to drive and able to return mid-to upper-20 miles per gallon fuel economy results with the 200-hp turbocharged engine, the GTI is full of surprises. Even the rear seat is good for two adults and the cargo area is surprisingly roomy. Four workers can easily store large laptop carrying briefcases in the rear and then be quite comfortable for the ride to and from work. BMW 3-Series: The first sports sedan remains the best by many measures. What more enjoyable way to get to work and then return home? The engines are impressive for their power and refinement, the handling is top notch and the build quality is excellent, as would be expected for the price. AAA Southern New England is a not-for-profit auto club with 42 offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, providing more that 2.7 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services. |
| Drowsy Driving Is Dangerous: Stay Alert! (posted by Public Affairs on March 8 @ 12:19 ) |
| It’s time to “spring forward.” Daylight savings time arrives Sunday, March 14, And, in losing an hour, many of us also lose sleep. The message from AAA Southern New England: don’t let missed sleep make you a drowsy—and dangerous—driver. Police say that during the two weeks after we set the clocks ahead, fatal crashes jump by as much as ten percent. In fact, it’s estimated that as many as 250-thousand drivers fall asleep at the wheel each day in the United States. According to NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is a factor in 1,550 fatal crashes each year. A National Sleep Foundation poll shows that, in the past year, almost two million drivers have been involved in a crash or a near-miss accident due to drowsiness. In fact, research shows that just one sleepless night can impair driving ability as much as a blood alcohol level of 0.10 percent—a number beyond the legal driving limit. And, like alcohol, lack of sleep also affects judgment, making it harder for drivers to realize they are impaired. Drowsy driving is impaired driving. Adults require an average of 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and teens need at least 9 hours. But studies show most Americans are sleeping only six hours nightly on average—1.5 hours less than 30 years ago. Teens are even more sleep-deprived, getting an average of three hours less sleep than they need each night. Consider the following facts: DROWSY DRIVING—WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Motorists at the highest risk for a fall-asleep crash or near-miss due to drowsy driving are: •young drivers (16-25 years, typically sleep-deprived), •commercial drivers who drive long and often late hours •shift workers and those who work double shifts or have more than one job •business travelers who experience jet-lag and cross time zones •individuals with untreated sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea) are seven times more likely to have a crash Drowsy driving is dangerous, impaired driving. It puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk. |
| Massachusetts Trio Are Top Dogs in AAA's National Petbook Photo Contest (posted by Public Affairs on March 2 @ 08:57 ) |
| This week, AAA is going to the dogs! Results are in for the latest annual AAA PetBook Photo Contest sponsored by AAA and Best Western. A family of mixed-breed dogs from Fairhaven, Massachusetts will enjoy a year of fame and glory as the “cover dogs” on the 12th edition Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook. First-place winners Rosie, Belle, and Ortiz are ready for their close-up. On Thursday, March 4th, 2010, at 10:00am, the trio will be at Roger Williams Park in Providence for their first appearance as top dogs. The winning photograph features the three joyful pooches visiting the Cape Cod Canal. “We travel with our pets because they are our family and we enjoy traveling with them,” said the winning pups’ human companion, Wendy Russell. Along with being pictured on the book’s back cover, Wendy and her proud pups will be presented with contest prizes including a $350 cash award, a $150 Best Western Travel Card, and will also receive several copies of Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook. Like many Americans, Wendy views Rosie, Belle, and Ortiz as full-fledged family members. Families enjoy bringing their canine or feline companions on the road, but hesitate for fear of not finding accommodations that accept four-legged friends. The new edition of Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook, available at retail locations in May, provides detailed listings of more than 13,000 pet-friendly AAA approved lodgings and campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Photos of winners, runners up, contest rules, entry forms, and valuable pet-friendly travel tips can be accessed at www.AAA.com/PetBook. AAA Pet Friendly Traveling Tips •Get a clean bill of health from the veterinarian and update your pet’s vaccinations. Obtain a health certificate showing proof of up-to-date inoculations, particularly rabies, distemper and kennel cough. •Ask the doctor about potential health risks at your destination (Lyme disease, heartworm infection) and the necessary preventive measures. •Reconfirm all travel plans within a few days of your departure, especially with lodgings and airlines; their policies may have changed after you made the reservations. If you plan to visit state parks or attractions that accept pets on the premises, obtain their animal regulations in advance. •For safety reasons, pets should be confined to the back seat, either in a carrier or a harness attached to the car’s seat belt. A restrained animal will not be able to break free and run away the second the car door is opened. •AAA recommends that drivers stop every two hours to stretch their legs and take a quick break from driving. Your pet will appreciate the same break. Plan to visit a rest stop every four hours or so to let him have a drink and a chance to answer the call of nature. AAA Southern New England is a not-for-profit auto club with 42 offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut, providing more than 2.7 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, finance, and auto-related services. |