AAA Breaks Down Labor Day

PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 1, 2018) If the Memorial Day and July 4^th holiday weekends were any indication, AAA expects there will be more traffic on the roads this Labor Day weekend than we’ve seen in years.

“Consumer confidence is up, folks are spending on travel and certainly the last holiday weekend of the summer will be no exception,” says Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Whether they are headed to the mountains or to the beach, those looking to squeeze in one final getaway will have plenty of company on the roads.”

Good News about Gas Prices

Even though gas prices are higher than they’ve been for several years, they’re actually the lowest they’ve been all summer. Today’s average across Pennsylvania is $3.05, down eight cents from the peak price of $3.13 at the end of May.

Busy Travel Times

To avoid Labor Day weekend traffic, AAA encourages drivers who have the flexibility to travel at off-peak hours. While Friday afternoon was busy when those trying to get a jump on the holiday weekend were sharing the road with daily commuters wrapping up their work week, traffic is also expected to be heavy late Monday afternoon.

Breaking Down the Breakdowns

Last year over the Labor Day weekend, AAA responded to more than 5,700 calls from members in the Philly 5-county area – and almost half of those calls required a tow.

“It’s important that drivers remember that their vehicle can break down just as easily over Labor Day weekend as it can at any time of year and that they take every precaution to ensure that their cars are road ready,” Tidwell says.

10 Road Trip Car Care Tips from AAA:

• Check tire pressure of all tires – don’t forget to check the spare – if you have one!
• Check tire tread – Exchange.AAA.com offers a simple visual check using a penny or a quarter
• Check battery is in good working order (most batteries last 3-5 years); a AAA Approved Repair facility will do this for FREE
• Check air conditioning
• Check windshield wipers to make sure they are in good working order
• Check fluids
• Check headlights for functionality and clean lenses
• Make sure your cell phone is fully charged so you can call for help if needed
• Make sure your AAA membership is up to date
• Stock a Summer Emergency Kit with: jumper cables, tools, first aid supplies, flashlight with fresh batteries, road flare or reflective triangle, extra medications, snacks, water

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Mailing Address:
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Philadelphia, PA 19159

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania.  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.