Old Man Winter is flexing his muscle this March, as the region prepares for the second nor’easter in one week.  Hit hard from Friday’s storm, the region has yet to fully recover and must now shift its focus to storm preparations.

AAA is no exception, as the roadside assistance leader gears up to rescue motorists during and after this next storm.

“Our roadside assistance fleet is ready to rescue our members as quickly and safely as possible, which means all hands are on deck at AAA,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.  “However, we urge motorists to prepare tonight for tomorrow’s storm and avoid travel, if possible, until the storm moves out and crews can treat and clear the roads.”

TONIGHT – Prepare your vehicle

• Fill the gas tank.
• Emergency kit items to include – deicer, shovel, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter (for traction).
• Pack a blanket, extra gloves and hat, heavy coat – if you’re stuck on the road for an extended period of time you’ll need to stay warm, especially if your vehicle is not running.
• Pack snacks, beverages, etc. – have them packed by the door to take in the morning (so they don’t freeze in the car overnight).
• Charge your cell phone – have a backup power source for the car in case you’re stuck for a while.
• Make sure your windshield wipers and lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals) are working properly – make sure you can see and can be seen.

“No one ever plans on getting stranded, so AAA encourages anyone with a car battery more than three years old to get it checked before temperatures drop,” added Averella.  “In addition, pack a vehicle emergency kit before you need it and leave in in the car all winter.  These supplies could be life-saving.”

TOMORROW – Winter Weather Driving tips and preparedness

• Remove all snow from your vehicle, including the roof, hood, and trunk. While driving, snow can blow off a car onto the windshield of a nearby vehicle, temporary blinding that driver’s vision.
• Don’t let your car idle – you should warm up your car no more than 30 seconds before you start driving, as the engine warms up faster from being driven.  Never leave your car idling, unattended.
• Allow plenty of extra time to get where you need to go.
• Increase following distance between you and the cars around you.
• Don’t crowd the plow. Allow ample distance when following snow plows, salt trucks and road crews.

• Slow down and move over – if you see police, EMS or roadside assistance operators helping a motorist on the side of the road.

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Mailing Address:
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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than 937,000 members in Maryland.  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 AAA.com.