WASHINGTON, D.C., (December 26, 2012) – As Americans prepare for holiday celebrations, AAA reminds drivers and passengers alike of the dangers on the roads this New Year’s Day, which consistently ranks as the year’s deadliest day for alcohol-related fatalities. To strengthen efforts to protect the public against drunk drivers and reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths, AAA is announcing its support of ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders, and offers important safety advice to partygoers.

“AAA is not alone in its concern about impaired driving or strong support for tough policies for convicted drunk drivers,” said AAA Traffic Safety Advocacy Director Jake Nelson. According to the 2012 Traffic Safety Culture Index conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than nine in 10 drivers consider it a serious threat to their personal safety when others drink and drive, and nearly all (97 percent) surveyed find it unacceptable for a driver to get behind the wheel when they have had too much to drink.  To prevent these dangers, nearly eight in 10 Americans support requiring ignition interlocks for all convicted DUI offenders, even if it’s their first conviction.

Research has identified ignition interlock devices (IIDs) as a proven way to save lives. AAA’s recommendation to require the use of IIDs for all convicted offenders is grounded in research.  “Evidence clearly shows that IIDs are more effective than other methods at reducing re-arrest among convicted drunk drivers and keeping them off the road,” said Nelson.

Additional Resources

• Infographic: Impaired Driving
• VIDEO: The Real Costs of a DUI
• PreventDUI.AAA.com

AAA is reaching out to motorists on the heels of a recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) decision to support laws requiring IID use for all first-time DUI offenders—one of several new recommendations issued to help curb alcohol-related traffic injury and death.  “I commend AAA for stepping up for safety,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman. “Technologies, such as ignition interlocks, will reduce alcohol-related crashes on our nation’s roadways.  We look forward to working alongside AAA and its clubs to eliminate the nation’s top killer on our roadways – impaired driving.”

Preventing drinking and driving is a shared responsibility to save lives. While AAA advocates expanding IID use to all persons convicted of drunk driving, New Year’s Eve partygoers can do their part by heeding the following advice:

• Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins
• Never get behind the wheel of a car when you’ve been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink
• Never ride as a passenger in a car driven by someone who has been drinking alcohol – even after just one drink
• Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired
• Call a taxi for a friend in need
• Be a responsible host in reminding guests to stay safe and always offer alcohol-free beverages
• If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself)
• Remember: prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely

Visit PreventDUI.AAA.com for impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice.  AAA encourages visitors to Take the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.

(ORLANDO, Fla., December 18, 2012) As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate the upcoming holidays, AAA urges motorists to remember the safety precautions they should take during this festive season. Drive only while drug and alcohol-free, select a designated driver for the evening, plan to take a cab or stay with a friend.

AAA works year round to educate motorists about driving practices that will help keep them safe and reduce traffic-related crashes and the injuries that can result. PreventDUI.AAA.com is an online resource offering impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice.  Once there, AAA encourages visitors to Take the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.

While not a nationwide program, a number of AAA clubs offer Tow-to-Go or Tipsy Tow services on select dates for members and nonmembers. This service is not available everywhere. AAA strongly encourages motorists to pick a designated driver before they head out for any celebrations.

*Please note availability is subject to change without notice

AAA Clubs Currently Offering a Tipsy Tow Program for Christmas & New Year’s Eve

Programs Available for Christmas and New Year’s Eve

• The Auto Club Group (Statewide in Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. Program is called “Tow-to-Go”)
• AAA Arizona (statewide)
• AAA New Jersey Automobile Club (Morris, Essex and Union counties)
• AAA South Dakota (Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Mitchell and Yankton
• AAA Oklahoma (Metro Tulsa, Metro Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Bartlesville, Enid, Muskogee, Tahlequah and Lawton)
• AAA Northern California (in all club territories)
• AAA Nevada ( Statewide)
• AAA Utah (Statewide)
• AAA Tidewater (Greater Hampton Roads area : Cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Yorktown and Williamsburg, VA) – program runs through January 1
• AAA Northwest Ohio ( available in Lucas, Fulton, Wood, Henry, Williams, Defiance, Paulding and Ottawa counties)
• AAA  MountainWest (Helena, East Helena, Montana City, Belgrade, Bozeman, Billings and Missoula and Anchorage, Alaska)

Program available for New Year’s Eve Only

• Automobile Club of Southern California (in all club territories)
• AAA Texas (statewide)
• AAA New Mexico (statewide)
• AAA Hawaii
• AAA Alabama – (Program is called Tow-For-Life)
• AAA Allied Group
• (Connecticut -Hartford, Tolland, Middlesex, New London, and Windham) Program is called ArriveSafe and drives motorists vehicles home
• Ohio (Cincinnati only) Program is called Care Cab 768-FREE (3733) (AAA has no call center involvement)
•  Kansas (Shawnee County -Topeka area only) Care Cab 785-357-4444 (AAA has no call center involvement)

For a comprehensive list of other community programs listed state by state, please visit AAA’s DUI Justice LinkWebsite.

With 93.3 million Americans expected to take a trip this holiday season, holiday travel to increase by 1.6 percent

ORLANDO, Fla., (Dec. 13, 2012) – AAA projects 93.3 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holidays, an increase of 1.6 percent over the 91.8 million people who traveled last year. This increase brings holiday travel figures to within half a million of the decade high mark seen during the 2006/2007 season. The year-end holiday travel period is defined as Saturday, Dec. 22 to Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.

Highlights from AAA 2012/13 Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast include:

• Year-end holiday travelers to total 93.3 million, an increase of 1.6 percent from the 91.8 million that traveled last year
• Ninety percent of travelers (84.4 million) to travel by automobile, representing 26.7 percent of the total U.S. population
• Holiday air travel expected to increase 4.5 percent to 5.6 million travelers from 5.4 million in 2011
• Median spending expected to increase almost six percent to $759, compared to $718 in 2011 with transportation costs consuming about 29 cents of every travel dollar.
• Average distance traveled to increase to 760 miles round-trip from 726 miles, an expected result with an increase in air travelers
• Travel volumes for the year-end holidays are generally very stable, only once in the past decade has there been a change in travel volume greater than five percent

Additional Resources

• Infographic: Year End Travel Forecast
• Infographic: National Average Gas Prices, New Year’s Day
• Report: Year End Travel Forecast

“The year-end holiday season remains the least volatile of all travel holidays as Americans will not let economic conditions or high gas prices dictate if they go home for the holidays or kick off the New Year with a vacation,” said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. “Primary economic indicators all show modest improvement from last year and AAA is projecting an increase in the number of Americans stuffing their stockings with airline tickets and hotel reservations.”

“As we enter the New Year, one unknown for travel is the looming ‘fiscal cliff’ and the resulting uncertainty related to near-term tax and benefit changes.  Having these items unresolved complicates many travelers’ ability to develop an accurate household budget as they plan for future spending and saving decisions.  It is important that Congress and the President work together to quickly resolve the situation for the good of the nation,” said Darbelnet.

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans

AAA estimates the national average price of gasoline will slowly drop through the end of the year and average between $3.20-3.40 a gallon by New Year’s Day. Gas prices dropped about 50 cents a gallon on average from September through early December, but remain at record highs for this time of year. AAA does not expect gas prices to have a major impact on travel volume, but consumers could have more money to spend on holiday shopping, dining and entertainment if prices drop through December as expected.

Automobile travel remains dominant mode of transportation, air travel increases

Approximately 90 percent of travelers (84.4 million) plan to travel by automobile this holiday season. This is a 1.3 percent increase over the 83.3 million people who traveled by auto last year.  Air travel is expected to increase 4.5 percent as six percent of travelers or 5.6 million will take to the skies.

Those traveling by air will find lower airfares according to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index.  For the year-end holiday period the average lowest round-trip rate is $203 for the top 40 U.S. air routes, a three percent decrease from last year. Approximately 3.3 million travelers will choose other modes of transportation, including rail, bus and cruise ship.

Hotel rates to increase slightly, car rental rates increase 41 percent

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, year-end holiday hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase two percent from a year ago, with travelers spending an average of $129 per night compared to $126 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay three percent more, at an average cost of $95 per night.  Daily car rental rates will average $56, compared to $40 last year.

Average travel distance increases

According to the survey of intended travelers, the average distance traveled by Americans during holiday period is expected to be 760 miles, further than last year when travelers planned to log 726 miles.

Median spending up nearly six percent; top activities are dining and spending time with loved ones

Median spending is expected to be $759, a six percent increase compared to the expected median spending of intended holiday travelers ($718) last year.

Dining (67 percent) and spending time with family and friends (66 percent) and are the most popular activities planned by travelers. It is not surprising that during holiday season shopping is the third most popular activity with 57 percent expecting to shop. More than one-third (34 percent) of holiday travelers plan to sightsee during their trips.

AAA offers digital travel planning resources

AAA’s digital tools for travel planning ‘on the go’ include eTourBook guides for 101 top North American destinations, available free to members at AAA.com/ebooks. Choose from city titles, like the award-winning Las Vegas, regions, like Wine Country, and National Parks.

The free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, Android and iPad uses GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, find current gas prices and discounts and access AAA roadside assistance. Travelers can learn about the AAA Mobile app and AAA Mobile Web at AAA.com/mobile.

On AAA.com, travelers can find thousands of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner or the searchable Travel Guides at AAA.com/Travel. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider 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 2012/13 Year-end Holiday Travel Forecast can be found here.

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.

Holiday travel continues steady climb from 2008 level with 43.6 million Americans expected to take Thanksgiving trips

ORLANDO, Fla., (Nov. 13, 2012) – AAA projects 43.6 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, an increase of 0.7 percent over the 43.3 million people who traveled last year. This increase marks the fourth consecutive year of growing holiday travelers since 2008 when Thanksgiving travel fell by 25 percent. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 25.

Highlights from this year’s 2012 AAA Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Forecast include:

• Thanksgiving travelers to total 43.6 million, an increase of 0.7 percent from the 43.3 million who traveled last year
• Ninety percent of travelers or 39.1 million to travel by automobile, an increase of 0.6 percent
• Holiday air travel to decline to 3.14 million travelers from 3.2 million in 2011
• Median spending expected to drop 10 percent to $498, compared to $554 last year. Spending remains consistent with historic averages as Americans continue to prioritize travel while finding ways to economize
• Average distance traveled to decline to 588 miles from 706 miles, due in part to a decrease in the number of air travelers and Americans desire to economize budgets
• Despite mild improvements in unemployment, the housing market and greater consumer optimism, the economy is still struggling to keep its head above water

Additional Resources

• 2012 AAA Thanksgiving Travel Forecast
• Infographic: National Average Gas Prices for Thanksgiving
• Infographic: Thanksgiving Travel Dates 2012
• Infographic: Total Travelers

“Thanksgiving travel hit a decade low in 2008 when only 37.8 million Americans traveled,” said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. “Since that year we have seen a steady increase in the number of travelers taking to the roads and skies for the holiday. Americans continue to find ways to economize their budgets so they can gather around the holiday table to carve the turkey.”

“While we do not yet know the full impact that Hurricane Sandy will have on travel from the Mid-Atlantic region, we do know that the impact for many Americans in that region is substantial,” continued Darbelnet.

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans

AAA estimates the national average price of gasoline will drop to between $3.25-3.40 a gallon by the holiday, similar to last year’s average of $3.32, which was the most expensive average ever on Thanksgiving. Despite the historically high prices paid by motorists this year, the national average has declined by nearly 40 cents a gallon since early October and should continue to drop through the end of the year. The national average price of gas for Thanksgiving from 2007-2011 is $2.75 a gallon.

Wednesday before the holiday is expected to be busiest travel day

The Thanksgiving holiday is unique falling on a Thursday every year. Many people are off from work the Friday after, giving travelers the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends.   AAA asked intended travelers which days they would depart for and return from Thanksgiving Travel. Among those surveyed, the majority of travelers plan to leave the Wednesday before the holiday (45 percent) and return the following Sunday (36 percent) with another 25 percent expecting to return on Monday, Nov. 26.

Automobile travel remains dominant mode of transportation, air travel decreases

Approximately 90 percent of travelers or 39.1 million people plan to travel by automobile this Thanksgiving. This is a 0.6 percent increase over the 38.9 million people who traveled by auto last year.  Air travel is expected to decrease 1.7 percent as 3.14 million holiday travelers will take to the skies.

Those traveling by air will find lower airfares according to AAA’s Leisure travel Index.  For the Thanksgiving holiday the average lowest round-trip rate is $188 for the top 40 U.S. air routes, an 11 percent decrease from last year. Approximately 1.3 million travelers will choose other modes of transportation, including rail, bus and cruise ship.

Hotel rates relatively flat, car rental rates increase 27 percent

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, Thanksgiving holiday hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to decrease one percent from a year ago, with travelers spending an average of $143 per night compared to $145 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay one percent more, at an average cost of $104 per night.  Weekend daily car rental rates will average $47, compared to $37 last year.

Average travel distance decreases

According to the survey of intended travelers, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is expected to be 588 miles, which is a decline of 16.7 percent from last year when travelers planned to log 706 miles.

Median spending down ten percent; visiting family, dining and shopping top activities

Median spending is expected to be $498, a 10 percent decrease compared to the expected median spending of intended holiday travelers ($554) in 2011.

While spending time with friends and relatives and dining are primary activities for nearly all holidays, it is even more relevant for Thanksgiving travelers. Therefore it is not surprising that spending time with family and friends (75 percent) and dining (56 percent) are the most popular activities planned by travelers. Despite lower median spending, half of all travelers (50 percent) plan to shop during the holiday which can be expected given Black Friday occurs during the holiday weekend.

AAA offers digital travel planning resources

AAA’s digital tools for travel planning ‘on the go’ include eTourBook guides for 101 top North American destinations, free to members at AAA.com/ebooks. Choose from city titles, like Orlando, New York and the award-winning Las Vegas, as well as National Parks.

The free AAA Mobile app for iPhone and Android devices uses GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, find current gas prices and nearby member discounts and access AAA roadside assistance. Travelers can learn about the AAA Mobile app and AAA Mobile Web at AAA.com/mobile.

On AAA.com, travelers can find thousands of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner or the searchable Travel Guides at AAA.com/Travel. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider 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 2012 Thanksgiving  Holiday Travel Forecast can be found in the additional resources box.

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 President & CEO Robert L. Darbelnet Announces 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Forecast

(Click Images to Enlarge)

ORLANDO, Fla., (Dec. 14, 2011) –

Expected travel volume will be second highest in past ten years, representing nearly 30 percent of U.S. population

AAA forecasts 91.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the 2011-12 Year-End holiday travel season, a 1.4 percent increase over the 90.7 million people who traveled one year ago. This year’s expected Year-End holiday travel volume is the second highest in the past decade and represents 30 percent of the total U.S. population.  The 11-day Year-End holiday period is the longest holiday travel season of the year, affording many more Americans time to visit family or take vacations.  AAA defines the Year-End holiday travel season as Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 to Monday, Jan. 2, 2012.

“It’s a positive sign for the travel industry that so many Americans are planning to travel this holiday season, collectively contributing to the second-highest year-end holiday travel volume in the past ten years,” said Bill Sutherland, vice president, AAA Travel Services.  “As our lives get busier, it is so important to create opportunities for the rest and rejuvenation that result from vacation travel and connecting with family and friends, especially during the holidays.”

Economic improvements are continuing at a very slow pace, and consumer surveys show active concern and pessimism over that pace.  The measure of economic activity, real gross domestic product, is expected to increase for the fourth quarter of 2011 by 1.5 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2010.  While 1.5 percent growth is still slow, it is a slight increase over the expected 1.3 percent fourth quarter growth predicted only one month ago, and the primary factor expected to drive this year’s modest increase in expected Year-End holiday travel.

Additional Resources

• 2011 Holiday Travel Forecast

While pent-up demand was projected to inspire significant Thanksgiving holiday travel growth this year, holiday travel at the end of the year is less cyclical so pent-up demand has less effect.  Travel during the Year-End holiday period did not see the dramatic drop in travel following the 2008 recession that other holiday periods experienced.  The 2008-09 Year-End holiday travel volume of 85.7 million was only 8.5 percent less than the 93.7 million Year-End holiday travel during the 2006-07 peak.  Year-End holiday travel has grown each year since 2008-09; 89.5 million in 2009-10; 90.7 million in 2010-11; 91.9 million this year.

Fifty-nine percent of intending travelers feel the economy has either no impact on their travel plans or  they feel like things have improved for them. The remaining 41 percent state an intention to scale back travel plans due to economic concerns.  Last year, 67 percent of intending travelers stated that their travel plans were not impacted by the economic conditions at that time.  Given current economic conditions, a majority of travelers reporting no economic impact on their travel plans is a positive sign for the travel industry and another reminder of just how important traveling is to Americans.

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 2011-12 Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at NewsRoom.AAA.com.

Automobile is top transportation choice, increases 2.1 percent

Approximately 83.6 million people (91 percent of holiday travelers) plan to take to the nation’s roadways this Year-End holiday travel season, a 2.1 percent increase compared to 2010-11 when the number of auto travelers totaled 81.9 million.  This year’s projected automobile travel volume is the second highest in the past decade and only 100,000 less than the 2006-07 auto travel peak of 83.7 million.  Automobile travel remains the preferred choice of transportation for 2011-12 Year-End holiday travelers as nearly 27 percent of the total U.S. population will hit the road.

The current national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is approximately $3.26 per gallon, about 29 cents more than one year ago.  However, the national average price is about 72 cents less than this year’s peak price of $3.98 on May 5.

Air travel down nearly 10 percent

About 5.4 million leisure travelers (six percent of holiday travelers) will fly during the Year-End holiday travel period, a 9.7 percent decrease from 2010-11.  This year’s air travel volume is the seventh lowest in the past ten years as nearly two million fewer Year-End holiday travelers are expected to fly than did during the decade’s air travel peak in 2002-03.  Jet fuel costs and capacity cuts continue to impact holiday air travel.  According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, Year-End holiday airfares are expected to be 21percent higher than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $210 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. This is the highest Year-End holiday average airfare in the past five years.

Train, bus, other modes of travel increases 4.2 percent  

Other modes of travel (bus, trains, watercraft, multi-modal travel) will make up the remaining three percent of the total person-trips, with 2.9 million people expected to travel by these modes, 4.2 percent higher than 2010-11.  Economic conditions are dictating that some Americans that otherwise might travel by air or automobile are traveling by these alternative modes of transportation.

Hotel rates increase; car rental rates decrease

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond or mid-range lodgings are expected to increase a modest one percent from last year with travelers spending an average of $126 per night compared to $125 one year ago.  Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay four percent more at an average cost of $92 per night, up from $88 last year.  Daily car rental rates are $40 on average, a 21 percent decrease from one year ago and the lowest seen in the past five years. As the demand for used cars fluctuates or car manufacturers offer fewer opportunities for buying back fleets it can become harder for car rental companies to shrink their fleet to meet demand.  With a larger pool of cars in the market, car rental companies must lower pricing to match supply and demand.

Travel distance decreases; median spending increases

According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Year-End holiday travel season is expected to be 726 miles, a decline from 2010-11 when travelers planned to log an average of 1,052 miles.  Propelling the reduction in expected travel miles is the 9.7 percent decline in air travel and indications that many air travelers are choosing shorter-distance flights.  The percentage of expected trips with a round trip distance above 1,500 miles decreased from 23 percent last year to 17 percent this year.  Median spending is expected to be $718, which is a three percent increase from $694 last year. Fuel and transportation costs combine to consume the largest share of holiday spending (32 percent), followed by shopping and food and beverages (tied at 19 percent). Other expenditures include accommodations (15 percent), entertainment and recreation (12 percent), and other costs (four percent).

Year-End Holiday Travel Tips

More Americans travel during the Year-End holiday season than during any other holiday period throughout the year.  Our nation’s roadways and airports will be busier than normal, so holiday travelers should be sure to pack more patience.  AAA offers these important travel tips that can help everyone have an enjoyable and safe Year-End holiday season.

- Plan ahead.  Use a travel planning tool like AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner available at AAA.com

to help identify the best driving routes, rest stops, and shop the latest gas prices.  Our nation’s highways will be crowded with both holiday travelers and day-trippers.  Continuously monitor weather conditions along your route and be prepared with contingency plans.  Doing your homework could save valuable time, fuel costs, and improve travel safety.

- Arrive early.  Airports will be crowded and security steps may be intensified so allow additional time at your departure airport.  For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours prior to your departure and arrive at least three hours early for international flights.  Busier airports may require even earlier arrival times.  Monitor weather conditions closely, and before leaving home, visit your airline’s website for updates about the status of your flight.

- Avoid the 3 Deadly D’s of Driving:

1. Drunk or Drugged Driving.  Remember that impairment begins with the first sip of alcohol.     A designated driver should be alcohol-free, not merely the person in your party who has consumed the least amount of alcohol.  Many medications have side effects that cause impairment, so read medication labels thoroughly.

1. Drowsy Driving.  Get seven to nine hours of sleep before driving.  Take a break every 100 miles or two hours.  Do not drive during hours when you routinely sleep.  If you feel tired while driving, pull over to a safe location and take a 20-to 30-minute nap.

1. Distracted Driving.  It is the driver’s responsibility to keep eyes, mind and body fully focused on the task of driving.  Assign a passenger to be the designated texter, talker, and navigator.  If traveling alone, pull over to a safe location to use your cell phone or adjust your navigation device, then proceed on your trip distraction free.  Child and pet passengers can be distractions to drivers, so allow another adult passenger to interact with these family members.

Ninety AAA eTourBook Guides now available for members to download

For year-end vacation planning, members can download AAA’s free digital eTourBook guides for smartphones and ereader devices. Refreshed continuously with new information, each digital guide available for download highlights a top North American travel destination, complete with AAA Editor’s Picks, listings for AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, attractions, events and nightlife and other proprietary information available only through AAA. Top downloads for 2011 from AAA.com/ebooks include Orlando, New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Mobile App helps travelers find directions, fuel prices and more on the go

Travelers concerned about how fuel prices will impact their travel budget can use the free, GPS-based AAA TripTik Mobile app to compare prices for all grades of gasoline at nearby stations. The app also offers all travelers maps and directions and location information for hotels and points of interest.

In addition to the printed travel guides and maps available at club offices nationwide, AAA makes trip planning tools accessible online and via mobile devices travelers use every day. Along with the TripTik Mobile app, AAA offers iPhone and Android versions of its AAA Discounts, AAA Insurance and AAA Roadside apps. Using GPS technology, AAA Discounts displays nearby locations that offer AAA members a Show Your Card & Save discount.   AAA Roadside transmits a user’s location and details about a vehicle breakdown when a member requests AAA Roadside Assistance.  The AAA Insurance app provides step-by-step guidance on how to gather valuable crash scene information.  Membership is not required to download and use AAA apps but is needed to take advantage of AAA member features and benefits such as discounts.

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 it’s 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.