Traffic Trouble Trio

AAA Urges Motorists to Prepare for Winter, Weather and Record Travel

(Offers Timely Gift to Reduce Roadside Risks)

On this, the first day of winter, AAA is urging the record number of travelers preparing to get away over the weekend to be mindful of the messy forecast and take every precaution.

Last year over the holiday, AAA Emergency Roadside crews answered calls from more than 7000 members – just in the greater Hartford area alone – and this year, they expect to be even busier…because of both the year-end travel forecast and the weather forecast.

“Whether they are driving to their holiday destinations or just driving to the airport, all drivers are at greater risk when roads are wet and icy, especially if they are in a hurry,” says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. “Add to that the increase in dead battery and flat tire calls that come with cold weather and you can be sure that it will be no holiday for AAA”.

In addition to the dead battery, flat tire and tow calls, over the year-end holiday AAA typically responds to hundreds of calls from members who have locked themselves out of their cars or run out of gas.

“Fill up, slow down. Both will help you to get where you’re going,” Parmenter says.

AAA is reminding all drivers, even those traveling just a short distance, to be sure to take a fully charged cellphone and charger along so they can call for help if necessary.

In order to reduce the chances of becoming stranded roadside, AAA is urging drivers to make sure their vehicles are road-ready before they set out.

Cold Weather Car Care Tips

1. Check the battery - most batteries last 3-5 years
2. Check the tire pressure and tread - find cold weather tire pressure on sticker inside driver side door.
3. Check headlights, tail lights, brake lights
4. Check windshield wiper blades
5. Check heater/defroster
6. Check oil/fluids
7. Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

Winter emergency kit should include: Snow brush, scraper, de-icer, kitty litter or abrasive, small shovel, warning flare or bright triangle, flashlight with fresh batteries, first aid kit, jumper cables and a blanket, hats, gloves, water, snacks/medicine so everyone can be safe and comfortable while waiting for help to arrive.

A Gift From AAA

In an effort to ensure that travelers are as safe as possible, AAA is marking the first day of winter and ‘the season of giving’ by offering additional discounts on new memberships and membership renewals through the end of the year to anyone who visits a AAA store in Greater Hartford. Simply inquire using the promo code ‘SAFETY’. 

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CT Mailing Address:
815 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06119

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Connecticut.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.