The focus to begin last week was on the national average moving higher as a result of of sharp increases in retail prices for a handful of Great Lakes states. The near record high prices in these states were because of continued low supplies and transportation challenges for wholesale gasoline in the Chicago market, particularly due to maintenance at the ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Ill. and the BP refinery in Whiting, Ind. As noted in last Monday’s AAA Fuel Gauge Report, confirmation that the Joliet refinery was back online and talk throughout the week that the Whiting refinery would soon return to normal production levels meant imminent price relief for these states was likely.

This prediction held true as these same states have seen prices more than reverse course over the last week. Motorists in 26 states are paying more than one week ago, but none of these increases has been more than six cents. This compares to ten states where prices have fallen at least six cents during the same period, led by declines of fifteen cents or more in four Great Lakes states: Wisc. (-15 cents), Ohio (-18 cents), Ind. (-23 cents) and Mich. (-27 cents).

National gasoline markets in recent months have been driven by regional supply and production issues rather than by the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil, which has traded in a narrow $5 range. At the same time regional gasoline production and distribution concerns have eased and retail prices have inched lower, market-watchers have turned a wary eye to escalating geopolitical tensions in Syria. While Syria is not a major oil producing nation, there is the risk that fighting might spread to other countries in the region, and this has kept some upward pressure on crude oil prices. At the close of formal trading on the NYMEX last Friday, these tensions drove WTI to settle at $97.85 per barrel which was the highest mark since January. At the close of today’s formal trading, WTI settled down 8 cents at $97.77 per barrel.

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New research reveals that voice-activated in-car technologies dangerously undermine driver attention

Additional Resources

• AAA Foundation Report – Measuring Cognitive Distraction in the Automobile
• Cognitive Distraction – Infographic
• Cognitive Distraction – Overview
• Distracted Driving – Fact Sheet
• Distracted Driving –Research Compendium
• Cognitive Distraction – Full Video (Broadcast Quality)
• Cognitive Distraction – B-Roll (Broadcast Quality)
• Cognitive Distraction – 90 Second Video
• AAA Exchange – Mental Distractions Behind the Wheel Are Real and Dangerous
• Letter to Automaker – Sample

WASHINGTON, D.C., (June 12, 2013)–Hands-free technologies might make it easier for motorists to text, talk on the phone, or even use Facebook while they drive, but new findings from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety show dangerous mental distractions exist even when drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.  The research found that as mental workload and distractions increase reaction time slows, brain function is compromised, drivers scan the road less and miss visual cues, potentially resulting in drivers not seeing items right in front of them including stop signs and pedestrians. This is the most comprehensive study of its kind to look at the mental distraction of drivers and arms AAA with evidence to appeal to the public to not use these voice-to-text features while their vehicle is in motion.

With a predicted five-fold increase in infotainment systems in new vehicles by 2018, AAA is calling for action as result of this landmark research. “There is a looming public safety crisis ahead with the future proliferation of these in-vehicle technologies,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. “It’s time to consider limiting new and potentially dangerous mental  distractions built into cars, particularly with the common public misperception that hands-free means risk-free.”

Cognitive distraction expert Dr. David Strayer and his research team at the University of Utah measured brainwaves, eye movement and other metrics to assess what happens to drivers’ mental workload when they attempt to do multiple things at once, building upon decades of research in the aerospace and automotive industries. The research included:

• Cameras mounted inside an instrumented car to track eye and head movement of drivers.
• A Detection-Response-Task device known as the “DRT” was used to record driver reaction time in response to triggers of red and green lights added to their field of vision.
• A special electroencephalographic (EEG)-configured skull cap was used to chart participants’ brain activity so that researchers could determine mental workload.

Using established research protocols borrowed from aviation psychology and a variety of performance metrics, drivers engaged in common tasks, from listening to an audio book or talking on the phone to listening and responding to voice-activated emails while behind the wheel. Researchers used the results to rate the levels of mental distraction drivers experienced while performing each of the tasks. Similar to the Saffir-Simpson scale used for hurricanes, the levels of mental distraction are represented on a scale:

• Tasks such as listening to the radio ranked as a category “1” level of distraction or a minimal risk.
• Talking on a cell-phone, both handheld and hands-free, resulted in a “2” or a moderate risk.
• Listening and responding to in-vehicle, voice-activated email features increased mental workload and distraction levels of the drivers to a “3” rating or one of extensive risk.

“These findings reinforce previous research that hands-free is not risk-free,” said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “Increased mental workload and cognitive distractions can lead to a type of tunnel vision or inattention blindness where motorists don’t see potential hazards right in front of them.” Based on this research, AAA urges the automotive and electronics industries to join us in exploring:

• Limiting use of voice-activated technology to core driving-related activities such as climate control, windshield wipers and cruise control, and to ensure these applications do not lead to increased safety risk due to mental distraction while the car is moving.
• Disabling certain functionalities of voice-to-text technologies such as using social media or interacting with e-mail and text messages so that they are inoperable while the vehicle is in motion.
• Educating vehicle owners and mobile device users about the responsible use and safety risks for in-vehicle technologies.

AAA also is using the findings to promote dialogue with policy makers, safety advocates and industry to ensure that these emerging in-vehicle technologies won’t lead to unintentional compromises in public safety.  As part of this effort, AAA has already met with safety advocates and provided copies of the report to CEOs of all major U.S. automakers.

“This study constitutes the most in-depth analysis to date of mental distractions behind the wheel.  AAA is hopeful that it will serve as a stepping stone toward working in collaboration with automakers to promote our shared goal of improving safety for all drivers,” said Darbelnet. “Specifically, these increasingly common voice-driven, in-vehicle technologies should be limited to use for just core driving tasks unless the activity results in no significant driver distraction.”

To view the full Cognitive Distraction in the Vehicle report, the AAA Foundation’s Research Compendium on Cognitive Distraction or AAA’s Distracted Driving Fact Sheet, visit NewsRoom.AAA.com.

Established by AAA in 1947, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit, publicly-supported charitable educational and research organization. Dedicated to saving lives and reducing injuries on our roads, the Foundation’s mission is to prevent crashes and save lives through research and education about traffic safety. The Foundation has funded over 200 research projects designed to discover the causes of traffic crashes, prevent them, and minimize injuries when they do occur.  Visit www.aaafoundation.org for more information on this and other research.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 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.

AAA Cognitive Distraction Study

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50 teams battled for national title and nearly $12 million in scholarships at 64th annual auto technology showdown that cultivates industry’s next generation of talent.

DEARBORN, Mich. (June 11, 2013) – America’s top young automotive minds were on display today in Dearborn, as two-student teams representing all 50 states engaged in a race against the clock – and one another – in an effort earn the title National Champion at the 64^th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals at Ford World Headquarters.

Additional Resources

• Video: 2013 Student Auto Skills National Finals

When the dust settled, the duo of Logan Boyle and Cody Collins from Vale High School in Vale, Ore. claimed the crown of America’s top auto technicians, registering the day’s top score under the guidance of instructor Drew Barnes.

“From connected cars to alternative fuels, automotive technology is advancing at a faster pace than we have ever seen and tomorrow’s technicians need to be savvy, innovative and eager,” said Marshall L. Doney, AAA Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The Ford/AAA Auto Skills competition develops future technicians who will ensure motorists will receive access to quality repair.”

With nearly $12 million dollars in scholarship prizes in the balance, state winners gathered today in Dearborn to solve “real world” automotive challenges – both digital and mechanical – in a timed competition that required a quick mind and steady hands as top auto students worked with wrenches and computers alike.   With automotive sales up across the board, and new and innovative technologies becoming a bigger part of the manufacturing process, the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition is shaping the next generation of auto technicians who will work on these vehicles.

“Ford is proud to play a role in developing the technicians of tomorrow,” said Steve DeAngelis, Ford’s Global Manager of Technical Support Operations. “It’s a challenging, ever-evolving industry out there and Ford is committed to providing the best, most comprehensive training possible and part of that is providing unique opportunities like our partnership with AAA on this exciting annual competition.  We share our congratulations with today’s winners and all the attendees – they worked hard to get here.”

Beginning with a shotgun start, the student competitors (all paired in two-person teams) raced to their vehicles to review a work order that challenged them to diagnose and repair a number of purposefully placed “bugs” ranging from digital to mechanical and electrical. Once the repairs were completed, it was a race to shut the hood, fire up the engine and steer the vehicle across the finish line – where a scrutinizing judging team awaited.

To earn the National Title, Vale High School earned a “perfect car” score by flawlessly repairing all the “bugs” without any demerits. Combined with the results of a written examination taken on June 10, their score allowed them to hoist the trophy as national champions.

The top-10 placing teams for the 2013 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals were:

In addition to scholarships, the National Champion Oregon team will enjoy an immersive, weeklong job shadow experience with 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne and his Wood Brothers Racing team, as they prepare the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion car for the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach, Fla. – the famous site of Bayne’s spectacular win at age 20.

About Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills
The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills is a nationwide automotive technology competition that offers nearly $12 million in scholarships and prizes to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers as automotive service technicians.  More than 13,000 students from across the U.S. compete for the chance to represent their school and state in the National Finals. The competition tests students’ automotive knowledge, workmanship and problem-solving abilities. For additional information on the competition, visit http://autoskills.aaa.com/.

2013 FORD/AAA AUTO SKILLS

Hawaii 5th action

Hawaii 5th finish

Hawaii 5th trophy

Virgina 2nd trophy

Maryland 3rd trophy

Maryland 3rd finish

Maryland 3rd action

Illinios 4th trophy

Illinios 4th finish

Illinios 4th action

Virginia 2 action 2

Virginia 2nd action

Virginia 2nd finish

1st Place Oregon

1st place Oregon trophy

1st place trophy wood

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The national average has increased just one-cent in the past week; however this obscures divergent gas price storylines at the state level. Drivers in 25 states have seen prices fall during this period, led by the drops of more than 8 cents per gallon in Okla. (-8 cents), N.D. (-8 cents), Kan. (-9 cents), Neb. (-10 cents) and Minn. (-12 cents). Plunging prices in these five Midwestern and Central states represent a pull-back from recent dramatic highs, including all-time daily records in N.D and Minn. near the end of May.

At the same time, drivers in 25 states and Washington D.C. have seen prices increase over the past week. This group is led by sharply higher prices in several Great Lakes states, including jumps of at least 8 cents per gallon in Ohio (+9 cents), Wisc. (+11 cents), Mich. (+12 cents), Ill. (+16 cents) and Ind. (+19 cents). The near record high prices being paid by drivers in these states are the product of continued low supplies and transportation challenges for wholesale gasoline in the Chicago market, particularly because of maintenance at the ExxonMobil refinery in Joliet, Ill. and the BP refinery in Whiting, Ind. Confirmation today that the Joliet refinery was back online after more than two months will increase supply to the market and likely mean lower prices in the days ahead, however the Whiting refinery continues to operate at less than full capacity.

While prices may tick higher in the next few days, AAA continues to expect lower prices — both nationally and in the Great Lakes — as June continues. Prices should drop below a national average of $3.50 per gallon by the end of the month if refineries, particularly those in the Great Lakes, can transition smoothly from ongoing maintenance to full production.

As noted in last week’s Fuel Gauge Report, national gasoline markets have been driven by regional supply and production issues and not by West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices, which have traded within a narrow $5 range. At the close of today’s formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI settled down 26 cents at $95.77 per barrel.

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Top auto students from across the country compete in the 64^th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition for the national title and millions of dollars in scholarships

ORLANDO, Fla., (June 5, 2013) – One hundred of the nation’s best young automotive minds will converge on the Motor City to compete for the title of top high school technicians in the country at the 64^th Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition National Finals June 9–11.  With jobs in the auto industry on the rise, up over 30 percent since last April according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills challenge serves as a springboard for students to launch their careers.

This year’s young auto champions will be crowned June 11 at Ford Motor Company’s World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. from a field that includes 48 male and two female students. The annual competition features top high school automotive technology students from all 50 states, with each state represented by a two-student team and their high school instructor. At the National Finals, the students will have their automotive skills and knowledge put to the test with a written exam and a timed event in which they race against the clock and each other to identify glitches and repair deliberately-installed “bugs” in identical 2013 Ford Explorer XLTs. The team with the best combined written and hands-on score will win the national championship.

The road to Dearborn began in January when nearly 13,000 high school juniors and seniors took an online exam testing their automotive technology knowledge, and will culminate with one team taking home the title of national champion. In addition to scholarships and prizes, this year’s national champions will earn a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a weeklong job shadow experience with auto racing royalty, Wood Brothers Racing’s legendary21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion team and 2011 Daytona 500 Winner Trevor Bayne leading up to and during the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach, Fla. this July. For these two auto student national champions and their instructor, this extraordinary job shadow experience extends from a high-tech performance garage in North Carolina to the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. It includes the following:

• Immersion of the winning students into the Wood Brothers Racing team as these expert auto technicians prepare for one the biggest events on the Sprint Cup Series calendar – the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 6
• Serving as honorary pit crew members on the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion under the guidance of Crew Chief Donnie Wingo
• Mentoring by No. 21 driver Trevor Bayne at both the Wood Brothers Racing shop in Harrisburg, North Carolina and also trackside at Daytona

“Each week, me and the other drivers get all the attention on the track,” said Bayne, “But really, we couldn’t even get out there and run without our crew.  These guys I work with are the best in the business.  It’s pretty amazing what they do and how they work all week long to keep that No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane car in top condition for me.

“The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition is a great opportunity for thousands of students across the country who really love working on cars and want to get into the industry.  I’m pretty excited to see these National Champions because really, this will help them see they may be young but they can work on the world’s best cars themselves. And hey, who knows, I could end up seeing these students on our pit crew one day!”

Founded in 1950, Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team in NASCAR. The Wood Brothers have won 14 Sprint Cup Series races at Daytona International Speedway, more than any other team in the sport. The Wood Brothers’ most recent trip to victory lane came at the 2011 Daytona 500, when then 20-year-old  Bayne become the youngest driver ever to win NASCAR’s most prestigious race.

As cars continue to become more advanced, Ford is leading the way with new technologies such as all-electric vehicles, adaptive cruise control, collision warning with brake assist, hands-free entertainment and communication systems. Understanding the mechanics behind these technologies is essential to the future of the automotive industry, the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills challenge focuses on technological practices, while educating the next generation of technicians in traditional mechanical principles so they will be able to understand and on new vehicles.

Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills enables many of its participants to embark on promising careers in the automotive repair industry to help fuel the rising demand for well-trained technicians that can repair both computer and mechanical components in today’s advanced vehicles.  Both the national and the state-wide competitions are organized with the support of AAA and Ford personnel, local automotive instructors and the AAA Approved Auto Repair program, a public service AAA performs to identify quality repair facilities throughout the country. The competition awards nearly $12 million in scholarships to thousands of high school auto students each year, including the national title winners, allowing them to further their education in this rapidly changing industry.

About Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills is a nationwide automotive technology competition that offers nearly $12 million in scholarships and prizes to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers as automotive service technicians.  More than 13,000 students from across the U.S. compete for the chance to represent their school and state in the National Finals. The competition tests students’ automotive knowledge, workmanship and problem-solving abilities. For additional information on the competition, visit http://autoskills.aaa.com/.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

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Today’s national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.62 per gallon. This price is fractions of a penny less expensive than one week ago, but it is ten cents more expensive than one month ago and three cents more than the same date last year.

After ten consecutive overnight declines, the national average has now increased for two straight days.

Motorists in a handful of states (W.Va., S.C., Miss., Ala., N.C. and D.C.) have seen prices drop in the last 30 days, however sharply higher prices in the Midwest, Rockies and Pacific Northwest have propelled the national average higher at a time when, in recent years, drivers have enjoyed falling prices. Motorists in 16 states have seen prices rise by more than twenty cents per gallon in the past month and those in seven Midwestern states (N.D., S.D., Iowa, Okla., Neb., Kan., and Mich.) are paying at least thirty cents more. These higher regional prices have been due to continued refinery maintenance and other production issues that led to tight supplies.

The dramatic price increases in these Midwestern states have frustrated motorists, however many of these same drivers have also experienced sizable weekly declines as refinery maintenance draws to a close and supply concerns are alleviated. The primary exception has been three Great Lakes states: Ohio, Ind., and Mich. where gas prices have jumped more than a dime in the last seven days. These isolated higher retail prices have been due to heavy demand for wholesale gasoline in the Chicago market, as the summer driving season gets underway, at the same time that lingering refinery outages from planned and unplanned turnarounds mean lean supplies for this group of states.

While prices may tick higher in the next few days, AAA continues to expect lower prices — both nationally and in the Midwest — as June continues. Prices should drop below a national average of $3.50 per gallon by the end of the month if refineries can transition smoothly from ongoing maintenance to full production.

While national gasoline markets have been driven by regional supply and production issues, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices have traded within a narrow $5 range for more than a month. At the close of today’s formal trading on the NYMEX, WTI settled up $1.48 at $93.45 per barrel.

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“AAA is saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg.  Among the many accomplishments of his distinguished career, we will remember Senator Lautenberg for his strong commitment to highway safety.  Senator Lautenberg worked tirelessly to improve the safety on our nation’s roads and bridges by strengthening impaired driving laws, maintaining truck size and weight restrictions, improving bus safety and being outspoken in favor of injury prevention for all transportation users.  His loss is felt throughout AAA and on behalf of the association I would like to extend my condolences to his family and friends.”

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Survey examines summer travel plans, identifying top priorities and key frustrations for travelers

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 2, 2013) – As the weather gets warmer and children finish the school year, many Americans are planning summer getaways. A new AAA survey reveals that two-thirds (66 percent) of U.S. adults plan to take a leisure trip between Memorial Day and Labor Day this year.   Those planning to travel, will hit the road a few times, averaging 3.5 trips during the summer months.  Additional findings from the survey also reveal that family and value are top priorities while unexpected expenses and finding time to take the perfect trip are the biggest frustrations.

Two-thirds to travel, one-third plan multi-generational trips

Sixty-six percent of Americans plan to take a least one trip during the summer travel season, with many planning to travel more than once. With an average of 3.5 trips among those traveling, 22 percent are planning one trip,   16 percent are planning two trips and the 29 percent are planning three or more trips between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Many travelers will also use these vacations as a time to build family bonds with nearly one in three (32 percent) of respondents plan to take a multi-generational trip in the next 12 months. For one-quarter of Americans the multi-generational trip will include both their children and their parents or their partner’s parents.

Top travel frustrations

The survey, fielded in April, shows that while value continues to be a top priority for travelers, 58 percent of respondents ranked unexpected expenses that can make developing a travel budget difficult the top vacation frustration. Additionally, finding the time to take the perfect vacation came in as the second largest travel frustration and finding the best price for lodging and transportation was third.  The full results of travel frustrations are listed below:

• Unexpected expenses such as airline fees, resort fees or parking (58 percent)
• Finding the time to take the perfect trip (52 percent)
• Finding the best price for lodging and transportation (49 percent)
• Airport security lines (45 percent)
• Crowds at your destination (43 percent)
• Packing for your vacation (27 percent)
• Family arguments about where to go and what to do (21 percent)

Top considerations for choosing a hotel

Survey respondents continued to reiterate the importance of value as 85 percent of respondents cited overall value   as a top consideration for choosing a hotel. Added benefits such as free breakfast (63 percent) and free hi-speed Wi-Fi (51 percent) also ranked very high. When surveyed, 44 percent of respondents said they seek environmentally-friendly programs when selecting a hotel. The full results of top considerations when choosing a hotel are listed below:

Overall value for money (85 percent)

Convenience to attractions or activities (73 percent)

Free breakfast (63 percent)

Free, high speed Wi-Fi (51 percent)

Environmentally-friendly programs 44 percent)

Frequent travel programs or points (35 percent)

Pet-friendly (29 percent)

A spa (23 percent)

Children’s programs (23 percent)

The results of the survey show that Americans continue to prioritize travel, however they expect value and also desire convenience. The assistance a qualified travel agent, such as a AAA Travel Counselor can help consumers plan the perfect getaway that meets their need without the frustration of planning. For more information visit www.AAA.com/travel.

AAA provides travel planning information to travelers who wish to consider sustainability programs when making travel plans. Currently an ECO icon marks approximately 3,000 eligible lodging listings in the TourBook® guides, TripTik® Travel Planner and on AAA.com.

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(WASHINGTON, May 31, 2013)

Gas Prices Increased in May for the First Time Since Winter

• The national average price of gas increased 10.4 cents per gallon (2.96 percent) in May, which was the first monthly increase since February. Rising gas prices in many parts of the country led to significant motorist frustration heading into the busy summer driving season.
• The national average increased 17 days in a row to $3.66 per gallon from May 6 until May 22, which was the largest consecutive streak of price increases since February. The national average has since dropped nine days in a row to $3.61 per gallon. Gas prices nationally increased 19 out of 31 days during the month. By contrast, prices increased only one day during May in 2012 and increased only seven days during the month in 2011.
• “Consumers in the Midwest and other parts of the country faced tremendous frustrations due to rapidly rising gas prices in May,” said Avery Ash, AAA spokesman. “Continued refinery maintenance and other production issues led to tight supplies and a spooked market for much of the month. After seeing prices decline this spring, many motorists were unhappy to pay higher prices heading into the busy travel season.”
• Gas prices increased in many parts of the country due to tight supplies caused by refinery maintenance and unexpected production issues, particularly in the Midwest, Rockies and Pacific Northwest. Relatively tight supplies and concerns about production typically lead to rising gas prices.
• West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices also increased more than 10 percent from slightly below $87 per barrel in mid-April to more than $96 per barrel in mid-May. Rising oil prices increase gasoline costs resulting in higher pump prices for consumers. The price of WTI has since dropped to the most recent settlement price of $93.61 per barrel.
• Despite the rising prices, motorists on average paid less at the pump in May than recent years. The national average for the month was $3.59 per gallon, compared to $3.72 per gallon in 2012 and $3.91 in 2011.
• Half of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” when it reaches $3.44 per gallon, according to a new consumer index developed by AAA. Forty-six percent of adults believe gas is too high when it reaches $3.00 per gallon; 61 percent believe it is too high when it reaches $3.50 per gallon; and 90 percent believe gas is too high when it reaches $4.00 per gallon. Sixty-two percent of Americans are offsetting high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle.

Gas Prices Should Drop in June as Refinery Maintenance Winds Down

• “Gasoline supply problems should ease over the next month as some refinery maintenance comes to an end,” continued Ash. “Prices should drop below a national average of $3.50 per gallon by the end of June if refineries can transition smoothly from ongoing maintenance to full production. Some concerns remain though because refineries often have complications when restarting, which could lead to unpredictable problems in the weeks ahead.”
• The highest national average so far this year was $3.79 per gallon on Feb. 27. It is becoming increasingly possible that gas prices peaked for the year in February, but there is still potential for prices to spike later in the year. AAA has no record of gas prices ever previously peaking in February.
• Gas prices often rise in late summer due to the hurricane season and a decline in supplies immediately prior to the switchover to winter-blend gasoline, so it is possible that motorists could pay higher prices later this year.

Gas Prices in the Great Plains Reached All-Time Record Highs in May

• Motorists in the Great Plains paid among the highest gas prices the region had ever seen in May with both Minnesota and North Dakota breaking all-time record highs for each state. The average price of gas reached $4.27 per gallon on May 20 in Minnesota, while the average reached $4.24 per gallon in North Dakota on May 22.
• In the days leading up to Memorial Day, consumers in 11 states were paying at least 30 cents per gallon more than the previous month. Motorists in nine states paid an average of more than $4 per gallon including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Washington. At the peak, the price of gas increased more than 80 cents per gallon in Minnesota and 60 cents per gallon in North Dakota from the previous month. Gas prices across the region have begun to ease slowly from these record highs.
• Gas prices spiked across the Midwest due to significant refinery and supply issues. Planned maintenance and upgrades at several refineries, including BP Whiting and ExxonMobil Joliet, in addition to unexpected problems at several other regional refineries, limited production and reduced gasoline supplies. The Pacific Northwest and Rockies experienced similar refinery issues, but to a lesser extent than in the Great Plains.
• The price of gasoline continues to vary dramatically with the cheapest gasoline primarily found in the Southeast. The five states with the highest averages today include: Hawaii ($4.36), Alaska ($4.08), N.D. ($4.06), Calif. ($4.01) and Ill. ($3.97). The five states with the lowest averages today include: S.C. ($3.22), Ala. ($3.25), Miss. ($3.26), Tenn. ($3.27) and La. ($3.32).

Learn how to save money on gas with a few simple tips from AAA.

AAA updates fuel price averages daily at www.FuelGaugeReport.AAA.com. Every day up to 120,000 stations are surveyed based on credit card swipes and direct feeds in cooperation with the Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) and Wright Express for unmatched statistical reliability. All average retail prices in this report are for a gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline. For more information, contact Michael Green at 202-942-2082, mgreen@national.aaa.com. 

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New edition and photo contest give travelers with pets plenty to smile about

ORLANDO, Fla., (May 31, 2013) – AAA has released the newest version of the popular Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook®. Now in its 15^th edition, the guide features more than 14,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and campgrounds that welcome travelers and their four-legged friends. The annually updated guidebook provides detailed information for finding and selecting the right place to stay, hotel pet policies, pet travel advice and emergency vet clinics.

“Whether for seasoned pet travelers or first timers, this resource helps ensure an enjoyable pet-friendly vacation by providing up-to-date details travelers can trust when making travel decisions,” said Bill Wood, executive editor and vice president, AAA Publishing and Travel Information.

The AAA PetBook, available in print and digital versions, has seen a 40 percent increase in pet-friendly AAA Approved hotels and campgrounds since its first edition in 1999. “The industry has changed with the evolving needs of travelers,” continued Wood. “Pets are truly part of the family for many travelers, and the growing number of travel options, like those listed in the AAA PetBook, makes it easier to plan a trip that includes furry family members.”

The release of the new edition, teeming with scenic, smile-provoking photos of pets enjoying safe travel, also marks the opening of the next annual AAA PetBook Photo Contest sponsored by Best Western. Travelers who snap a candid photo of their winner during this year’s vacation can enter through Nov. 30, 2013. Each year, winners are selected to appear on covers of the next edition and receive additional prizes. See inside The AAA PetBook for details, or access official contest rules, an entry form and the contest photo gallery at AAA.com/PetBook.

Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook, 15^th edition, is available at many AAA and CAA offices as well as select bookstores for a suggested retail price of $18.95. The digital edition, available at online booksellers, carries a suggested retail price of $9.99.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 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.

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