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AAA Inspectors Select 14 Favorite Places For Enchanting Valentine Escapes

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Spread the Love This February with Savings on Gifts for Sweethearts Using AAA Discounts

AAA Warns Vehicle Spare Tires May Soon Be A Thing Of The Past

Buying a car can be a stressful experience. One thing buyers could depend upon was that the new vehicle they were about to purchase included a spare tire. That may not always be the case. To meet new government fuel efficiency standards some vehicle manufactures are omitting heavy spare tires and equipping new vehicles with an emergency sealant and inflator kit or tires that if damaged can run reasonable distances without air.

In 2010, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency established new corporate average fuel economy standards for vehicle model years 2012 to 2016. The new standards are set at a combined 29.7 mpg for the 2012 model year, increasing to 34.1 mpg by 2016.

Achieving these standards will require many changes to the vehicles we drive. One area of focus is to reduce the weight of vehicles without compromising occupant safety. A spare tire, related tools and a jack can weigh more than 40 pounds. That may seem like a small amount, but every little bit helps. Unlike other weight saving changes, it doesn't add cost to the vehicle.

"Unfortunately many vehicle owners may be unaware that their vehicle has no spare tire until they experience a flat tire." says Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "Consumers should review their owner's manual and emergency maintenance supplies they have in the vehicle and be informed about alternatives to a spare to prevent panic or a delay when encountering a flat tire."

AAA recommends the following to ensure you are informed and prepared:

Inspect the car and consult your owner's manual. If the vehicle has a spare, be sure it is properly inflated and stowed. If you cannot locate a spare tire, ensure your vehicle has an alternate solution. Options include the run-flat tires that allow the car to be driven to a safe location or an emergency sealant and inflator kit.

If you carry a sealant, AAA recommends that you check the date and replace it every five years or after its use. Sealant can become less effective with age.

AAA members needing assistance with a flat tire can request roadside rescue at (800) AAA-HELP or by downloading the smartphone app, AAA Roadside. AAA members can also eliminate the stress of buying a new car by using the AAA Auto Buying Tools App. Build the car you want, including color and trim level, and the AAA app will give you information on available options, available incentives, crash safety ratings, AAA reviews, images and more.

For a list of vehicles currently being sold without a spare tire please see the attached list.

AAA Announces 2012 Diamond Award Winners

AAA Tidewater Virginia has announced the four lodgings and four restaurants that earned the Four Diamond Award� or Five Diamond Award� in Southeastern Virginia. The AAA/CAA Five and Four Diamond Ratings are the travel authority’s highest designations for hotels and restaurants.

2011 Year Ends with All-time Record High Gas Price Average in Virginia and the Nation

Motorists across the nation and in Virginia will have paid more, on average, for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in 2011 than ever before. With just one day left in the year, the national average price for gas is close to $3.27 per gallon with Virginia’s average through today, December 30, 2011, at a record high $3.17.

AAA TIDEWATER VIRGINIA AND HOFFMAN BEVERAGE COMPANY JOIN FORCES TO KEEP DRIVERS SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

AAA Tidewater Virginia wants to remind motorists to be responsible and drive safely this holiday season. As part of the community efforts to keep the public safe on the roads, and in cooperation with Anheuser-Busch and Hoffman Beverage Co., AAA Tidewater is offering "Tow To Go" service in the Hampton Roads community this holiday season. The program's goal is to provide a safe alternative to drinking and driving on area roads. The service is currently available throughout the Greater Hampton Roads area and will continue until 6:00 a.m. on January 1, 2012.

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver can call (757) 631-1700 between these dates and request a free Tow To Go home during this holiday season. Callers simply tell the dispatcher, "I need a Tow To Go," to receive both the free tow and ride home.

Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver, and the destination is limited to the driver's residence. Reservations are not accepted, and the tows are only available within the greater Hampton Roads area. The Tow To Go program is open to any driver; AAA membership is not required. This service is provided free of charge to prevent alcohol-related car crashes. This marks the 8th year that AAA Tidewater Virginia is offering its free Tow To Go service to the public during the holiday season.

Drinking drivers frequently fail to seek and obtain alternative ways to get home because they are concerned about retrieving their vehicle, the expense of taxis, and the inconvenience of alternative transportation. Tow To Go is intended to give motorists a safer option for getting themselves and their vehicles home, instead of driving while intoxicated. "We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with holidays and encourage them to think twice about getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking," said AAA Tidewater Virginia spokesperson, Georjeane Blumling.

AAA advises that motorists can keep themselves and others safe and can avoid DUI arrests by keeping these safe driving tips in mind over the holiday season:

At social events, designate a non-drinking driver who can get everyone home safely.

Call a friend or family member for a ride if you've been drinking.

Keep a cab company telephone number in your wallet so you can call for a ride home.

As a party host, offer a variety of non-alcoholic drink alternatives, provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers and arrange transportation through programs, such as Tow To Go, for guests who have been drinking.

Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.

For more information and tips on safety this holiday season, visit AAA.com.

AAA PROJECTS MORE THAN 800,000 MOTORISTS WILL NEED ROADSIDE RESCUE DURING YEAR-END HOLIDAY SEASON

AAA anticipates it will come to the aid of more than 800,000 stranded motorists during the year-end holiday period, as 83.6 million holiday travelers choose to take to the roadways for their holiday travel plans. Between December 23, 2011 and January 2, 2012 the nation's largest motor club will be busy with battery replacements and jump starts, changing tires, extricating vehicles from snow, towing vehicles for repair and more.

"Becoming stranded on the roadway can quickly dampen your holiday spirit," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "Whether you are planning local day trips or long distance year-end holiday travel, having your vehicle properly maintained and prepared for the rigors of holiday driving will help ensure it gets you to your destination safely and without incident."

AAA projects its roadside problem-solvers will be able to remedy the issues of more than three out of five stranded motorists at the roadside and send them on their way, but about a quarter of a million travelers will still need a tow this year-end holiday season.

After the need for a tow, the second largest roadside rescue service AAA anticipates performing is replacing or jump starting dead batteries. Nationally, more than 194,000 requests for help with a dead battery are expected and among those rescues, AAA roadside service personnel will conveniently replace more than 52,000 failed batteries on the spot. AAA expects to retrieve more than 104,000 sets of keys locked inside vehicles, change more than 95,000 tires and perform more than 38,000 vehicle extrications during the year-end holiday period. Additionally, AAA will deliver fuel to more than 11,000 stranded motorists and perform a variety of miscellaneous roadside rescue services for approximately 91,000 motorists.

Locally, AAA Tidewater Virginia projects more than 880 requests for help with a dead battery during the holiday period. Among those dead battery rescues, AAA roadside service personnel will mostly like replace over 10% of those failed batteries on the spot. It is expected that more than 700 sets of keys locked inside vehicles will be retrieved and more than 580 tires will be changed. It is not unusual to expect over 400 vehicle extrications to be needed during the year-end holiday period. Additionally, AAA will rescue more than 50 stranded motorists with a delivery of fuel and provide a wide variety of miscellaneous roadside services in the Greater Hampton Roads area.

Motorists can avoid the causes of some roadside breakdowns by keeping their vehicle properly maintained. AAA advises motorists to follow their vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and make sure their vehicle is ready for the rigors of year-end holiday driving. Motorists seeking a trustworthy repair shop to help prepare their vehicle for winter driving are encouraged to visit one of AAA's more than 8,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities or a AAA Car Care Center. AAA's network of approved repair shops is a free public service that enables consumers to identify professional auto shops staffed by certified technicians who are equipped with the proper tools and equipment to service today's high-tech automobiles. Consumers can find Approved Auto Repair facilities online at AAA.com/repair.

AAA members who are Android and iPhone users can download AAA Roadside, a mobile smartphone application that enables motorists in need of roadside rescue request help without making a phone call. The user simply enters the details of their situation and clicks an onscreen button. AAA Roadside then transmits the information, and the user's location as established by the phone's GPS technology, directly to AAA Roadside Assistance. The app also displays nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair locations so members can easily choose where to have their vehicle towed, if necessary during this year-end holiday season.

AAA PROJECTS 91.9 MILLION AMERICANS WILL TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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, December 23, 2011 to Monday, January 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 Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "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." In the Commonwealth, overall travel during the holiday is expected to make a modest increase of 1%, with the total travelers being approximately 2.7 million Virginians.

Economic improvements are continuing at a very slow pace. 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. It is also the primary factor expected to drive this year's modest increase in expected Year-End holiday travel.

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 therefore 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.

There are 59 percent of intending travelers that 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 reported no economic impact on their travel plans was a positive sign for the travel industry and another reminder of just how important traveling are 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

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. For Virginia, auto travel is expected to be the number one means of travel for 91 percent of all travelers. This represents approximately 2.5 million people this holiday season.

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. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the average price for unleaded self-serve is $3.17 per gallon, 27 cents more than last year, and 13 cents less than one month ago, and is 73 cents less than the states peak price for this year of $3.90 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. Virginians are expected to be part of this downward trend in air travel with a 10.9 percent decrease from last year, representing approximately 18,000 travelers than 2011.

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 3 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 1 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 4 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 3 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.

AAA ADVISES TO DECK THE HALLS AND WRAP THE PRESENTS....SAFELY

Decorating for the holidays is a tradition for many families. It's a time to display their holiday spirit to neighbors, family and friends. However, it is important not to get caught up in the magic of the season without remembering a few safety tips, especially when it comes to lights, live trees and other flammable decorations.

"This is a very merry time of year and decorating houses and trees is a tradition for many families. Unfortunately, often times safety is not a top priority, which can lead to unnecessary house fires that destroy more than just the spirit of the season," said Leah Hunger, Director of Insurance for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "No one wants to spend their holidays filing an insurance claim."

Christmas trees account for 250 fires annually, resulting in 14 deaths, 26 injuries and more than $13.8 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

AAA Insurance Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating

Always use non-flammable decorations.

Place candles in non-flammable containers. Keep lit candles in a place where they can't be knocked over or reach anything that could ignite.

Water that tree. Don't ever let your live tree dry out - it is a fire hazard.

Check all bulbs and wires. Don't use any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.

Discard and replace any cord that is hot to the touch.

String lights through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks.

Use surge protectors to avoid overloading your electrical outlets.

Make sure outdoor lighting and extension cords are approved for outdoor use.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

Unplug lights when you leave home or go to bed.

AAA Insurance Reminds Givers & Recipients to Check Insurance Coverage

Once the decorations are hung, holiday shopping is underway. AAA reminds gift givers and recipients to protect their valuable gifts when shopping and traveling for the holidays and later at home.

Safeguard Gifts When Shopping

"Put shopping bags out of sight in your vehicle or the Grinch may steal your gifts," said Hunger. "A few safety precautions will protect your gifts and your vehicle."

If a thief does break into your vehicle, damage to your car is covered under the comprehensive coverage of the auto insurance policy. Personal property stolen out of the vehicle falls under the homeowners or renters insurance.

Buying or Receiving an Expensive Gift

If you give or receive expensive gifts this holiday season, you may want to:

Contact your insurance agency. Find out if you need additional coverage.

Have the item appraised. A floater policy premium will be based on the appraised value.

Add the item to your home inventory. It's a good idea to photograph all your possessions in case of a loss and the subsequent insurance claim.

If possible, store valuable items in a secure location.

"AAA encourages gift givers and recipients to review their insurance coverage and possibly purchase additional coverage with a floater policy if necessary;" noted Hunger, "Expensive items such as jewelry, artwork, and electronics have limited coverage under standard homeowners' insurance policies."

Flying With an Expensive Gift

"Losing your luggage is frustrating enough and when your bags contain expensive holiday gifts, it can ruin your entire trip. Check with your insurance company to see if lost luggage is covered by your homeowners or renters insurance policy," added Hunger. "Airlines have policies for reimbursing travelers for lost luggage."

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection and Enforcement the following liability limits are in effect for lost, damaged or delayed luggage:

Airlines assert a limit on their liability for delayed, lost or damaged checked baggage. When your luggage and its contents are worth more than the liability limit, you may want to purchase "excess valuation," if available, from the airline as you check in. This is not insurance, but it will increase the carrier's potential liability. The airline may refuse to sell excess valuation on some items that are especially valuable or breakable, such as antiques, musical instruments, jewelry, manuscripts, negotiable securities and cash.

On domestic trips, the airline can invoke a liability ceiling that is regulated by DOT and that is adjusted every two years. On international round trips that originate in the United States, the liability limit is set by a treaty called the Montreal Convention. This treaty also governs liability on international round trips that originate in another country that has ratified this Convention, and one-way trips between the U.S. and such a country. The current limits may be listed on your confirmation, or you can find them at airconsumer.dot.gov. The international limit applies to domestic segments of an international journey. This is the case even if the domestic and international flights are on separate tickets and you claim and re-check your bag between the two flights.

Keep in mind that the liability limits are maximums. If the depreciated value of your property is worth less than the liability limit, this lower amount is what you will be offered. If the airline's settlement doesn't fully reimburse your loss, check your homeowner's or renter's insurance; it sometimes covers losses away from the residence. Some credit card companies and travel agencies offer optional or even automatic supplemental baggage coverage.

Other rules to keep in mind when flying with holiday gifts:

Don't wrap it - Wrapping paper may block security screeners from seeing what is inside your package, whether it's in your carry-on OR your checked baggage. You will slow down the security process for yourself and others and the wrapping may need to be torn off.

Don't forget the 3-1-1 liquid rule - If you plan on giving perfume or aftershave, wine, liquor, jellies/jams, or lotions and they are in packages larger than 3 ounces they must go into your checked luggage. Liquids in the carry on must be in containers of 3 ounces or less and in a one-quart clear plastic zip top bag. Only one bag is permitted per person.

Ship gifts in advance - You might be able to use some of your clothes for the trip to cushion gifts or fill dead space in your shipping box allowing you to fit the remainder of your clothes and personal items in a carry on. By shipping gifts in advance and eliminating a checked bag may save you money since you won't have to pay checked baggage fees. Taking along only a carry on leaves you worry-free about luggage getting lost or delayed.

Order online - With a click of the mouse your wrapped gift will be waiting for you at your destination.

AAA URGES FAMILIES TO PREPARE FOR THE "SILVER TSUNAMI" OF AGING DRIVERS

The first wave of America's baby boomers turning 65 this year will be driving the "silver tsunami" says the American Automobile Association (AAA). According to the U.S. Census Bureau, this segment of the population will increase by 75 percent over the next two decades. Research has shown that people today live an average of about 7-10 years beyond their safe driving ability. To aid aging drivers and their families, AAA is helping promote Older Driver Safety Awareness Week 2011, from Dec 5th through the 9th to help get the conversation started.

"In less than 10 years, one in four licensed drivers will be age 65 and older, which means that millions of American families will be working through this challenge," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "Most families don't know where to turn for help. By partnering with the American Occupational Therapists Association (AOTA) during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, AAA hopes to raise visibility of resources and tools that will help families address real and perceived challenges associated with driving and aging."

Conversations about safe driving can evoke strong emotional reactions as concerns about personal independence and managing other day-to-day activities may come into question. AAA encourages seniors and their families to approach these sensitive conversations as opportunities for constructive communication and problem solving.

To help manage the effects of aging on driving ability, AAA also offers the following resources for older drivers:

AAA Roadwise Review is a computer-based self-screening tool designed to assess a driver's functional abilities important to safe driving.

SeniorDriving.AAA.com provides expert advice and research-based tools for senior drivers and their families

CarFit and AAA's Smart Features for Mature Drivers help to enhance seniors' comfort and safety while driving.

Safe Driving for Mature Operators classroom and online courses provide driver training to help address the changes caused by aging and how a driver may compensate.

For more information about Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, please visit AAA.com/PublicAffairs.

AAA INSPECTORS SELECT FAVORITE LODGINGS FOR 12 NIGHTS OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

For those who wait all year to deck the halls or for Jack Frost to nip at their nose, AAA polled its professional inspectors about their favorite places to find holiday magic. Travelers can find extravagant lighting displays, sensational decorations, traditional Christmas dishes and even indoor snowfalls at hotels, restaurants and attractions throughout the United States and Canada.

AAA inspectors' 12 favorite lodgings for celebrating the holidays are listed below. Find additional lodgings - as well as restaurants and attractions - that provide an abundance of holiday cheer on the AAA travel blog at AAATravelViews.com.

The American Club, Kohler, Wis., AAA Five Diamond Classic Historic Resort Hotel
During the Christmas season this distinguished, world-class hotel wraps its trees in thousands of white lights and features professional carolers. On weekends, rides are offered in heated, enclosed horse-drawn carriages around the beautifully decorated town of Kohler. For the young ones, the hotel offers a variety of fun programs including a breakfast with Santa and ornament decorating.

Embassy Suites Niagara Falls Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario, AAA Three Diamond Hotel
This hotel offers some of the most spectacular views of Niagara Falls available. Through Jan. 31, 2012, the CAA Winter Festival of Lights fills the city with holiday spirit. Each Friday night a spectacular fireworks display explodes over the Falls - and what better place to view it than from the comfort of your toasty warm room! The festival also includes a massive light display along the Niagara Parkway and at Dufferin Islands and a schedule of special events including concerts and family-friendly activities like ice skating at the TD Rink at the Brink.

The Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta, CAA/AAA Four Diamond Historic Resort Hotel
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, just a 90-minute drive from Calgary, this beautiful, castle-like chateau is a recreational mecca for families wanting an active holiday vacation. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are available at three area resorts. Beautiful decorations, caroling and holiday receptions make this a winter wonderland. Be sure to book early as the Christmas and New Year timeframe is high season here, and the hotel is usually booked to capacity well in advance.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, Wash., AAA Four Diamond Historic Hotel
This historic hotel transforms into Christmas Central for downtown Seattle with the public areas decked out in holiday decor. The hotel has regular holiday activities from Thanksgiving to Christmas including the "Christmas in Venice" gingerbread village, local choirs and a teddy bear suite ideal for themed stories and kids photo opportunities. For a special experience, try the holiday tea or enjoy a holiday meal with the family.

Fitzroy Hall, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, CAA/AAA Three Diamond Historic Bed & Breakfast
During the holidays, the innkeepers lovingly transform this historic property into a portrait of days gone by. With its high-ceilinged rooms decorated with Christmas trees, wreaths and twinkling lights, and the atmosphere pungent with the scent of fir boughs and nutmeg, the effect is both festive and magical. Traditional delicacies such as mincemeat tarts, ginger cookies, and spiced eggnog can be savored by the fire. Stepping out into the twilight of a snowy Charlottetown, guests think they've stepped into a Dickens novel.

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center on Lake Grapevine, Grapevine, Texas, AAA Four Diamond Resort Hotel
Every year this hotel becomes a winter wonderland. The interior is a beautiful sight to see with 1.5 million lights, holiday decorations and children's activities. The best part is that it doesn't cost anything to tour the hotel, and you are not in the elements! Using over 2 million pounds of ice, artists have created a unique "Shrek the Halls" theme for this year's experience. Additionally, they are offering Kung Fu Panda snow tubing with real snow!

Great Wolf Lodge, Lightfoot, Va., AAA Three Diamond Resort Hotel
During the holiday season, Great Wolf Lodge becomes a magical place with extensive activities and decorations. Children can attend special craft and Santa letter writing workshops, North Pole University and Elves Cub Club events. Nightly snowfalls and carols in the lobby are a special treat. New this year, a life-size gingerbread cottage is open for dining. The large resort also offers an indoor water park, spa, teen zone, kids club, arcade and other family-oriented activities.

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Asheville, N.C., AAA Three Diamond Hotel
Each year, the National Gingerbread House Competition is held at the historic Grove Park Inn. Viewing for this year's competition, the 19th annual, will be open through Jan. 1, 2012 - from Sunday to Thursday for the public and any time for hotel guests. Competitors at all skill levels and from across the country bring their creations, ranging from quaint cottages to elaborate castles. Wandering among the cinnamon-scented and candy-flecked concoctions is sure to put guests in a holly-jolly frame of mind.

Marriott Kansas City Downtown, Kansas City, Mo., AAA Three Diamond Hotel
The interior of the hotel is decorated for the season, but the most remarkable display appears on the building's exterior. A 22-story-high light show on the south side of the building is visible from most of downtown. The display rotates through countless holiday scenes, from the lighting of a giant tree to Santa sliding down a chimney, for hours of viewing.

The Saint Paul Hotel, St. Paul, Minn., AAA Four Diamond Classic Historic Hotel
This grande dame hotel in downtown St. Paul gets all decked out for the holidays. Go for a skate around the outdoor ice rink, then come in and enjoy afternoon tea by the fireplace. Enjoy an evening stroll under falling snow to see the twinkling lights and giant Christmas tree in Rice Park, followed by a traditional holiday feast at the St. Paul Grill. Top it off with a horse-drawn carriage ride around the downtown historic area.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, S.C., AAA Five Diamond Resort Hotel
From its oceanfront location to its high-end restaurants and superior service, this property specializes in elegance. During the holidays, the hotel embellishes its elaborate decor with traditional decorations. A collection of gingerbread houses is formally unveiled in early December to much pomp and circumstance, and Saturday means it is cookie decorating time. For the kids, Mrs. Claus offers a holiday storybook tea, including a keepsake copy of the book, while Santa offers early evening tuck-ins.

West Baden Springs Hotel, West Baden Springs, Ind., AAA Four Diamond Classic Historic Resort Hotel
The expansive domed atrium of this 1902 historic spa hotel is impressive in its own right, but with the added beauty of a 40-foot Christmas tree and hundreds of twinkling lights, the atmosphere is downright magical. Perfect for a romantic holiday retreat, couples can take advantage of the on-site spa to relax from the stress of the season. This season, families can also take a round-trip ride on the "Polar Express" each weekend in December at the nearby Indiana Railway Museum.

For more AAA inspector picks, insider tips and travel stories, visit AAA's travel blog at AAATravelViews.com.

About AAA Inspections

AAA rates more properties than any other rating entity and is the only rating system that covers the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. It is one of only two that conduct physical, on-site evaluations. AAA/CAA Approved lodgings and restaurants are assigned a rating of One to Five Diamonds. For 75 years AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct in-person property inspections and publish the results for member travelers.

Listings of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants can be accessed in the AAA TourBook guides, online at AAA.com/Travel and from smartphones using the free AAA TripTik Mobile app or AAA Mobile Web. In addition, AAA members can download free, digital eTourBook guides at AAA.com/ebooks.

AAA MEMBERS HAVE MORE WAYS TO SAVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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AAA PROJECTS 42.5 MILLON AMERICANS WILL TRAVEL THIS THANKSGIVING, FOUR PERCENT MORE THAN LAST YEAR

AAA forecasts 42.5 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a 4 percent increase from the 40.9 million people who traveled one year ago. This is the first significant increase in any holiday travel this year. The Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, November 23 to Sunday, November 27. The number of people traveling in Virginia is expected to increase as well, with 1.25 million taking to the roads during the long holiday weekend. This would be a 3.8 percent increase from 2010.

"Driving AAA's projected increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers is pent-up demand from Americans who may have foregone holiday travel the last three years," said Georjeane Blumling, AAA Tidewater Virginia Vice President. "As consumers weigh the fear of economic uncertainty and the desires to create lasting family memories this holiday, more Americans are expected to choose family and friends over frugality."

"This is the first significant increase in any holiday travel this year," said Judy Ocasio, Vice President of Travel Services for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "Memorial Day travel was statistically flat while Independence Day and Labor Day travel experienced decreases of 2.5 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively."

While primary economic drivers continue to show improvement from one year ago, growth levels are not high enough to support a quick return to pre-recession levels of holiday travel. Rather a slow climb back is expected from 2008 which was a decade-low year for Thanksgiving travel with only 37.8 million Americans taking a trip. With volumes still below historical averages, pent-up demand will be a contributing factor in increased holiday travel, despite current economic conditions.

Total economic activity, measured as real gross domestic product, is expected to grow by just 1.3 percent for the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the fourth quarter of last year. The national unemployment rate is expected to be just fourth-tenths of a percentage point below last year's level. Personal income, real disposable income and consumer spending are all forecast above last year's levels. However, the growth rates of these indicators are weaker than last year, and Americans are expressing uncertainty about the future by way of weaker consumer sentiment and consumer comfort survey results. In particular, household net worth is expected to be 5.6 percent lower in the fourth quarter of this year compared to last year.

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 Labor Day Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at NewsRoom.AAA.com.

Automobile travel increases four percent, remains dominant mode of transportation

Approximately 38.2 million people (90 percent of holiday travelers) plan to take to the nation's roadways this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a 4 percent increase compared to Thanksgiving 2010 when auto travelers totaled 36.8 million. In Virginia, approximately 1.1 million people are expected to travel by automobile which is four percent more travelers then in 2010. Automobile travel remains the preferred choice of transportation for holiday travelers as it is often more affordable, convenient and flexible. The current national average price for regular unleaded gasoline is approximately $3.39 per gallon, about .50 cents more than one year ago. However, the national average price is about .59 cents less than this year's peak price of $3.98 on May 5. Virginia's average price for regular unleaded gasoline is 3.28 in which is .51 cents higher than one year ago. However, the price is .59 cents less than the peak price in the Commonwealth of Virginia $3.88 on May 5. In Hampton Roads, the current price for unleaded is $3.24 which is .50 cents higher than one year ago but 0.03 cents less than a month ago.

Number of air travelers expected to increase despite higher airfares

Almost 3.4 million leisure travelers (eight percent of holiday travelers) will fly during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a 1.8 percent increase from 2010. Virginia expects approximately 88,700 air travelers or a 1.7 percent increase from 2010. Fuel costs, combined with steady air travel demand and capacity cuts have resulted in rising airfares over the past year. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, Thanksgiving airfares are expected to be 20 percent higher than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $212 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. The combination of higher fares and lower availability of seats is expected to limit air travel growth this holiday to less than half of total traveler growth.

Two percent of travelers expected to select other modes of transportation

Other modes of travel (bus, trains, watercraft, multi-modal travel) will make up the remaining two percent of the total person-trips, with just over 900,000 people expected to travel by these modes, 14.7 percent higher than in 2010. The Commonwealth is expected to see an increase of 14.6 percent in these other mode of travel equaling approximately 15,000 people.

Travel via these modes has declined significantly since 2008 and remains well below historical averages, so there is stronger pent-up demand from consumers that travel using these modes. In addition, economic conditions are dictating that those that otherwise might travel by air or automobile are traveling by alternative modes of travel.

Travelers to experience increases in hotel rates, car rental rates decrease

Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond or mid-range lodgings are expected to increase six percent from one year ago with travelers spending an average of $145 per night compared to $136 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay seven percent more at an average cost of $103 per night. Weekend daily car rental rates will average $37, an eleven percent decrease from one year ago.

Travelers stay closer to home as average distance decreases; median spending increases

According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Thanksgiving holiday is expected to be 706 miles, which is a decline of 13.5 percent from last year when travelers planned to log an average of 816 miles. Median spending is expected to be $554, which is a 12 percent increase from $495 last year. However, Thanksgiving holiday travel is typically less expensive than other travel holidays because of the emphasis on the Thanksgiving meal and gathering of friends and family. Fuel and transportation costs combine to consume the largest share of holiday spending (33 percent), followed by shopping (18 percent) and food and beverages (18 percent. Other expenditures include accommodations (16 percent), entertainment and recreation (12 percent), and other costs (three percent).

Sixty percent of travelers report no economic impact on travel plans

Despite high levels of concern seen in some consumer confidence and consumer comfort surveys, intending travelers seem comfortable with the state of the economy with respect to their travel plans. Sixty percent of intending travelers feel the economy has either no impact on their travel plans or that they feel like things have improved for them. The remaining 40 percent do state an intention to scale back travel plans but in light of the current economic conditions, this is still a positive sign for the industry and an additional reminder of just how important traveling is to the American people.

Eighty AAA eTourBook Guides now available for members to download

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

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

Travelers concerned about how fuel prices will impact their travel budget can also use the free, GPS-based AAA TripTik Mobile app to compare prices for all grades of gasoline at nearby stations. All travelers may also use the app to get maps and directions and locate hotels and other points of interest on the go. Visit AAA.com/mobile.

Consumer reviews added to AAA TripTik Mobile app and TripTik Travel Planner AAA's TripTik(r) Mobile application for Android and iPhones and the TripTik Travel Planner at AAA.com now include TripAdvisor reviews for AAA Approved hotels, restaurants and attractions alongside AAA Diamond Ratings, Inspector Notes and descriptions. The addition of consumer content complements AAA's professional ratings, giving users more complete information to guide their travel decisions.

AAA makes trip planning tools accessible on the mobile devices travelers use every day. Along with the TripTik Mobile app, AAA offers iPhone and Android versions of its AAA Discounts and AAA Roadside apps. Using GPS technology, AAA Discounts displays nearby locations that offer AAA members a Show Your Card & Save discount, and AAA Roadside transmits a user's location and details about a vehicle breakdown when a member requests AAA Roadside Assistance. Membership is not required to download and use AAA apps, but is needed to take advantage of the available AAA member features and benefits. More information is available at AAA.com/mobile.

Travel planning can be a daunting task, AAA Travel offers solution

Vacation planning can be a daunting task. Partnering with a professional travel counselor will save vacationers countless hours of research time, and provide access to additional vacation options sold only through travel agencies. Travel counselors at AAA Travel receive frequent travel updates and stay abreast of price changes, document requirement changes, travel alerts and continuously monitor the overall travel landscape. Their time, personalized service and first-hand destination knowledge to offer tips on places to shop, dine and sightsee adds irreplaceable value to the vacation price.

AAA Travel recently launched AAA Vacations(r) - a collection of escorted, hosted and independent tours, cruises and vacation packages to destinations throughout the world. AAA Vacations are customized tours, cruises and packages designed to deliver unique, engaging and exclusive vacation experiences to AAA members. Visit your nearest AAA office or AAA.com for more information.

For those planning to travel with their four-legged family members this holiday, AAA has developed a new website specifically designed to offer the same safety, security and peace of mind for family pet travelers. A quick visit to the AAA PetSpot, PetSpot.AAA.com, offers discounts on pet products and services, important information on traveling safely with your "best friend" and other helpful tips.

AAA STUDY FINDS COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH TRAFFIC CRASHES ARE MORE THAN THREE TIMES GREATER THAN CONGESTION COSTS

The annual societal cost of traffic crashes is $299.5 billion, more than three times the $97.7 billion cost of congestion, according to a report released today by AAA. In the Greater Hampton Roads metropolitan area, that annual cost of traffic crashes is $2.5 billion, which is 3.53 times the area's $714 million annual congestion costs, reports AAA Tidewater Virginia.

AAA's "Crashes vs. Congestion - What's the Cost to Society?" report highlights the overwhelming and far-reaching economic impacts traffic safety crashes have on our nation and encourages policymakers at all levels of government to ensure safety is a top priority.

"The burdens associated with congestion are top of mind for many Americans as they travel to and from work each day," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "However, at $300 billion annually, crashes cost our society more than three times the amount of congestion. This report further underscores the importance of a long-term, multi-year federal transportation bill that will provide the necessary and sustained investments that lead to better and safer roads for all Americans."

According to the study conducted for AAA by Cambridge Systematics, the overall cost of crashes ($299.5 billion) equates to an annual per person cost of $1,522, compared to $590 per person annually for congestion ($97.7 billion overall). The cost of crashes are based on the Federal Highway Administration's comprehensive costs for traffic fatalities and injuries that assign a dollar value to a variety of components, including medical and emergency services, lost earnings and household production, property damage, and lost quality of life, among other things. Locally the annual cost per person for crashes is $1,505 while the annual per person cost for congestion is $461.

The report calculates the costs of crashes for the same metropolitan areas covered by the annual Urban Mobility Report conducted by the Texas Transportation Institute. The results showed crash costs exceeded congestion in every metropolitan area studied, from very large to small. For very large urban areas (populations of more than three million), crash costs are nearly double those of congestion. Those costs rise to nearly six times congestion costs in small urban areas (populations less than 500,000) where motorists face less congested conditions.

"Almost 33,000 people - 635 per week - die on U.S. roadways each year and that's unacceptable," said Ms. Blumling. "While the decline in traffic fatalities in recent years signifies a positive trend, our work is far from over. Continued progress will require active and focused leadership, improved communication and collaboration, and an investment in data collection and evaluation to make sure we're addressing the nation's most serious safety challenges."

AAA TIDEWATER VIRGINIA AND HOFFMAN BEVERAGE COMPANY JOIN FORCES TO KEEP DRIVERS SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

AAA Tidewater Virginia, in cooperation with Anheuser-Busch and Hoffman Beverage Co., will once again offer its Tow To Go service in the Hampton Roads community this holiday season. The goal of the program is to provide a safe alternative to drinking and driving on area roads. The service will be available in the Greater Hampton Roads area from October 29th, 2011 until 6:00 a.m. on January 2nd, 2011. The kick off of Tow To Go starts this Saturday to coincide with Halloween to help keep motorists and children safe as they travel the streets. Halloween has become an increasingly popular holiday for adults to celebrate with parties where alcohol is served.

Motorists, bartenders, restaurant managers, party hosts or passengers of a drinking driver can call (757) 631-1700 between these dates and request a free Tow To Go home during this holiday season. Callers simply tell the dispatcher, "I need a Tow To Go," to receive both the free tow and ride home.

Callers need to keep in mind that the service excludes rides for passengers, is restricted to a one-way, one-time ride for the driver, and the destination is limited to the driver's residence. Reservations are not accepted, and the tows are available within the greater Hampton Roads area.

The Tow To Go program is open to any driver; AAA membership is not required. This service is provided free of charge to prevent alcohol-related car crashes. This marks the 7th year that AAA Tidewater Virginia is offering its free Tow To Go service to the public during the holiday season.

The beginning of the holiday season starts earlier and earlier each year for many people. Often companies move their organizations holiday party into November because there simply doesn't seem to be enough of December to hold all the merriment. While this extends the special time for connecting with friends and family it also extends one of the most deadly months for alcohol related traffic crashes and fatalities. Drinking drivers frequently fail to seek and obtain alternative ways to get home because they are concerned about retrieving their vehicle, the expense of taxis and the inconvenience of alternative transportation. Tow To Go is intended to give motorists a safer option for getting themselves and their vehicles home, instead of driving while intoxicated. "We want motorists to be aware of the high crash risk from drinking and driving associated with holidays and encourage them to think twice about getting behind the wheel if they have been drinking," said AAA Tidewater Virginia spokesperson Georjeane Blumling.

WATCH YOUR STEP- HALLOWEEN NIGHT DEADLY FOR PEDESTRIANS

Every Halloween, monsters, zombies and ghouls fill the streets across the United States to celebrate. And if that's not scary enough, AAA uncovered some frightening statistics. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, October 31 is the deadliest night of the year for pedestrians. "On Halloween, motorists need to be especially vigilant between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight, when pedestrians are most vulnerable," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "Slowing down, watching for trick-or-treaters who may cross between cars or mid-block and designating a sober driver may save a life."

To help make the roadways safer this Halloween, AAA offers motorists a few easy tips:

Avoid neighborhood shortcuts. If possible, avoid cutting through residential streets where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present. When providing directions to a party, try not to route guests through neighborhoods unnecessarily.

Watch for children in the street. Watch for children walking on streets, medians and curbs. Excited trick-or-treaters, often in dark costumes, may not pay attention to traffic and cross mid-block or between parked cars.

Slow down. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian is more than twice as likely to be killed if they're hit by a car traveling at 35 mph compared to 25 mph.

Drive sober. Alcohol-impaired drivers make up about one-third of all motor vehicle deaths resulting in an average of one death every 45 minutes. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to drink. Visit www.PreventDUI.AAA.com to learn more.

A few simple steps can help parents keep their trick-or-treaters safe:

Trick-or-Treat together. AAA recommends that parents accompany young trick-or-treaters

Make a plan. Review trick-or-treating safety precautions and plan the route ahead of time. Remind children never to cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.

Check costumes. Choose disguises that don't obstruct vision and opt for non-toxic face paint instead of masks. Check and adjust the length of costumes to avoid tripping. Add reflective material or tape to keep kids visible.

Buckle up. If driving trick-or-treaters between neighborhoods, always use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter on the passenger side of the vehicle.

AAA TIDEWATER VIRGINIA CELEBRATES CAR CARE MONTH WITH 11th ANNUAL CAR CARE EVENT

AAA Tidewater Virginia announces the 11th Annual AAA Car Care Event to be held on October 29th, 2011, from 10 am until 2 pm at AAA Tidewater Corporate Headquarters on Virginia Beach Blvd. Free and open to the public, this year's event will feature free 40-point vehicle maintenance inspections and free child safety seat inspections. AAA will also be collecting old car batteries for recycling. Here are some of the other exciting activities that will be held throughout the day:

FREE Vehicle Maintenance Inspections - A 40 point inspection performed by certified technicians from the Approved Auto Repair Facilities in Hampton Roads and Instructors and Students from Advanced Technology Institute in Virginia Beach

FREE Child Safety Seat Inspections - Inspection of child safety seats for proper placement, security, and fit in your vehicle; and to your child - performed by AAA Public Affairs and local traffic safety organizations.

Collection of old car batteries, which AAA will recycle for FREE

FREE lunch for all attendees (includes hot dogs and soda).

Live Remote - BOB FM and 102.1 THE GAME on site!

FREE Drawings at the event - various prizes including a set of four tires provided by AAA, and two GRAND PRIZES - a FLAT SCREEN TV and a BLU-RAY(tm) PLAYER.

Each participant will receive a FREE AAA gift bag, including gifts from AAA Automotive, NAPA and other sponsors.

Static display of classic automobiles by the Ford Mustang Club of Virginia.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!

WHAT: AAA CAR CARE EVENT
WHEN: Saturday October 29, 2011 from 10AM-2PM
WHERE: AAA TIDEWATER CORPORATE CENTER, 5366 VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD. (NEXT TO HAYNES FURNITURE)

AAA TIDEWATER VIRGINIA DRIVES HOME SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

This week is National School Bus Safety Week and AAA Tidewater Virginia is reminding parents, students and motorists to be extra attentive when in the company of the large vehicles.

"There are simple rules and laws that are designed to keep our children safe while on the road," said Georjeane Blumling, spokesperson for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "This week presents the perfect opportunity to teach students, parents and motorists the importance of awareness of Virginia's laws, safety tips and 'Danger Zones' surrounding the school bus."

Nearly 24 million children travel to school and back each day on a school bus, and according to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of 21 school-age children die each year in school bus-related crashes. While NHTSA data indicate approximately 8,000 children are injured in school bus-related crashes annually, nearly a quarter of the injuries reported happened as children were boarding or leaving school buses.

According to Virginia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in 2010 there were no fatalities involving school buses and of the 248 injuries that resulted from crashes, 51 were drivers and 197 were passengers.

National School Bus Safety Week is a public education program observed the third week in October each year. This year it runs October 17-21.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS FOR CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES:

School Bus Danger Zone

At the Bus Stop:

Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

Remain orderly at the bus stop and pay attention to traffic. This is no place to play.

Obey the AAA School Safety Patrol™

Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.

When Entering the Bus:

Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus.

Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.

If you must cross the road to enter the bus, walk in front of the bus; never walk behind the bus.

Wait for a signal from the driver.

When Exiting the Bus:

Walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead.

Be sure the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.

Stop at the edge of the bus and look left-right-left before crossing.

Tell the bus driver if you drop something beside the bus. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

Be alert to all traffic.

On the Bus:

Take your seat immediately.

Always sit fully in the seat and face forward.

Obey the School Safety Patrol™.

DO NOT distract the bus driver.

Never stand on a moving bus.

Keep aisles clear at all times.

Obey the driver.

Speak in low voices.

Never stick anything out the window...arms, legs, head, book bags, etc.

Additionally, AAA reminds motorists of the following laws and tips:

VA LAW - When approaching a school bus with flashing signals and an extended stop sign on a public or private road, you must stop and remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus moves again.

VA LAW - You must also stop if the bus is loading or unloading children and the signal devices are not functioning properly.
VA LAW - You do not have to stop, however, if you are traveling in the opposite direction on roadways separated by a physical barrier or unpaved median area.

VA LAW - In Virginia, if you are convicted of passing a school bus that is stopped to load or unload passengers, you will receive a six-point violation that will stay on your record for 11 years.

Watch for children at bus stops and for children walking to and from bus stops.

Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean that a bus is preparing to stop. Do not try to beat the bus! Begin slowing and prepare to stop your vehicle.

Red flashing lights indicate that a bus has stopped to load or unload children. Be very aware and pay close attention. Stop your car and wait for the lights to stop flashing before you move your vehicle. Passing a loading or unloading school bus is classified by Virginia law to be reckless driving!

'TIS THE SEASON TO PREPARE FOR NEW DRIVING CONDITIONS

AAA reminds motorists that cars need seasonal checkups to maintain safety and maximize operational efficiency. Regular maintenance and seasonal checkups can also help prevent unexpected repair costs in the future. "No one wants to be stranded in the cold by a vehicle breakdown," said Georjeane Blumling, spokesperson for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "Properly preparing your vehicle for winter driving is essential for the safety of all passengers and will greatly decrease the chances of your vehicle letting you down."

AAA recommends that motorists use a simple checklist to determine their vehicle's fall and winter maintenance needs. Many of the items on the list can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician.

Motorists can identify reliable, high-quality repair facilities with certified technicians by looking for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign or any AAA Car Care Center. These facilities must meet and maintain high professional standards for customer service, technician training, tools, equipment, warranties and cleanliness. Nearby shops can be located at AAA.com/repair.

Winter Car Care Checklist

Battery and Charging System - Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can also test and replace weak batteries.

Battery Cables and Terminals - Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion, and the connections are tight.

Drive Belts - Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib "serpentine" belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.

Engine Hoses - Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or excessively spongy feeling.

Tire Type and Tread - In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.

Tire Pressure - Check tire inflation pressure more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures - typically by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be in the owner's manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver's side door jamb. Also, check the spare.

Air Filter - Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.

Coolant Levels - Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.

Lights - Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.

Wiper Blades - The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In areas with snow, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.

Washer Fluid - Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.

Brakes - If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.

Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids - Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.

Emergency Road Kit - Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include:

Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats

Snow shovel

Flashlight with extra batteries

Window washer solvent

Ice scraper with brush

Cloth or roll of paper towels

Jumper cables

Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves)

Blankets

Warning devices (flares or triangles)

Drinking water

Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers

First-aid kit

Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

Mobile phone and car charger pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services

Android and iPhone users can download AAA Roadside, a mobile smartphone app that lets motorists in roadside rescue situations to request help without making a phone call. The user simply enters the details of their situation and clicks an onscreen button. AAA Roadside then transmits the information, and the user's location as established by the phone's GPS technology, directly to AAA Roadside Assistance. The app also displays nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair locations so members can easily choose where to have their vehicle towed, if necessary.

AAA Membership is not required to download and use AAA apps, but is needed to take advantage of the associated member benefits such as roadside assistance and Show Your Card & Save discounts. For more information on AAA apps, visit AAA.com/Mobile.

TEEN DRIVERS 50 PERCENT MORE LIKELY TO CRASH IN FIRST MONTH OF UNSUPERVISED DRIVING THAN AFTER FIRST YEAR BEHIND THE WHEEL

According to a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers are approximately 50 percent more likely to crash in the first month of driving than they are after a full year of experience driving on their own, and are nearly twice as likely to crash as they are after two full years of experience.

Analyzing the crashes of new drivers in North Carolina, researchers found that three common mistakes-failure to reduce speed, inattention, and failure to yield - accounted for 57 percent of all crashes in which teens were at least partially responsible during their first month of licensed driving. Additionally, when researchers looked at specific types of crashes in relation to how long the driver had been licensed, they found that some types of crashes occurred at relatively high rates at first and declined particularly quickly with experience. For example, crashes involving left hand turns were common during the first few months of driving but declined almost immediately. The high initial rate and subsequent steep decline in certain types of crashes appeared to reflect teens' initial inexperience followed by rapid learning. Crash types that decline more slowly appear to result not from lack of understanding, but from failure to master certain driving skills.

"We know that young drivers' crash rates decrease quickly as they gain experience. What our new study tells us is that there are a few specific abilities that we could do a better job of helping teens develop before they begin driving independently," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.

A related AAA Foundation study used in-vehicle cameras to monitor teens when they were learning to drive with parents, followed by the first 6 months of licensed driving without their parents in the car. The research found that while teens had their learner's permits, routine trips on familiar roads under relatively easy driving conditions accounted for the bulk of the time spent behind the wheel.

The study also illustrated changes in teen behavior when a parent is no longer in the car. While the vast majority of driving caught on camera was uneventful, the study did capture a number of close calls due to simple mistakes likely attributable to inexperience, along with a few instances of texting behind the wheel, horseplay with passengers, running red lights, and other potentially distracting or dangerous behaviors.

"This research serves as a great reminder for parents to stay involved in the learning process even after the law allows teens to drive without a parent in the car," Kissinger added. "Continued parent engagement can help teens gain needed driving experience and shape their habits for a lifetime of safe driving."

These studies affirm AAA's long-standing efforts to help parents prepare their teens for independent driving by practicing under a broad range of progressively more challenging conditions. Among the steps parents can take to improve teens' safety as they start driving on their own, AAA suggests:

Practice, practice, practice: Once teens have their actual license, continue to practice together to ensure that basic skills are mastered and to introduce varied driving conditions (snow, heavy traffic, rural roads) with an experienced driver in the passenger seat.

Keep passengers out: Teen drivers' crash risks multiply with teenage passengers in the vehicle. Set limits and enforce them consistently.

Limit night driving: Reduced visibility makes night driving riskier for drivers of all ages. For inexperienced teens, it's even harder. Allow new teen drivers to drive at night only if truly necessary or to practice with a parent.

Keep setting rules: Parents can - and should - set and enforce rules above and beyond their state laws. In addition to night and passenger limits, set rules for inclement weather, highways, cities, or other driving conditions in which a teen has not gained enough experience. Find a parent-teen driving agreement on TeenDriving.AAA.com that can help.

The AAA Foundation commissioned the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center to conduct both studies. Findings pertaining to the crash rates of newly-licensed drivers are based on analysis of crashes of young drivers licensed in North Carolina between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2008. The video footage referenced here was collected in a study in which 38 teenage drivers in North Carolina were observed during their first 6 months of licensed driving using an in-vehicle camera. These video clips can be viewed on the Foundation's website by clicking here.

For more information about the teen driving study or to see the full reports, visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

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. This research is used to develop dozens of focused, high-impact educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.aaafoundation.org or www.facebook.com/AAAFTS for more information on how you can join our cause.

CRYSTAL CRUISES ANNOUNCES 2012 THEME VOYAGES

Addressing the desires of niche-interest travelers, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises announces 25 Experiences of Discovery� cruises for 2012. Twelve different themes on more than one-third of next year's voyages are planned for various global locales. Due to increased demand, Crystal's stimulating and topical Ocean ViewsTM program will be offered on both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony sailings.

The full list of theme voyages includes:

Ocean Views: New this year, 2012's program expands to not only again include World Cruise segments, but also Trans-Atlantics. During the sailings, expert thinkers from various fields (ambassadors, professors, military leaders, foreign correspondents, etc.) meet for several panel discussions debating current events and/or global issues.

Big Band & Ballroom Dance: Crystal is doubling its number of Big Band and Ballroom Dancing cruises, so guests can dance and swing across the Atlantic on both ships in 2012.

Emerging Artists: A huge sensation during Crystal's 2011 Alaska season, Europe-bound guests next summer will now be the first to discover new, rising talent, fresh from Los Angeles Music Center's Spotlight program.

Wine & Food Festival: Expert chefs, wine authorities, mixologists, and other culinary pros unite to create special meals, cocktails, and presentations related to the region.

Film & Theater: Stars and industry experts bring Hollywood and Broadway to life while sailing from LA to New York.

Golf: Luxury play on some of Europe's most prestigious championship courses.

Jazz: Dozens of jazz artists performing, with insider extras.

NFL Legends: Motivational talks by football greats.

Floral Design: Expert-led how-to classes.

Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute: An expanded curriculum of music, language, computer, fitness, and other enrichment classes.

President's Cruise: Crystal President Gregg Michel hosts a voyage packed with special guests, events, and receptions.

Crystal Society: A celebratory gathering of veteran Crystal cruisers.

"Many travelers love spending their vacation indulging in a special interest or meeting others with similar passions," says Bret Bullock, vice president entertainment. "On Crystal's 'Experiences of Discovery' cruises, sophisticated explorers can expand their knowledge and connect in a luxury environment."

Limited-time fares offer Two-for-One prices starting at $2,760/person (double occupancy), including free airport/ship transfers and round-trip air from 24 North American hubs (or substantial air credit). "All Inclusive-As You Wish" shipboard credit of $1,000-$2,000/couple is included on select sailings in the first quarter of 2012. Beginning in the spring, Crystal Cruises' sailings will include complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

Crystal's award-winning, luxurious offerings always include a diverse selection of thought-provoking, scholarly, and sophisticated enrichment activities that provide extensive on board choices for cultured world travelers.

DRIVE SAFE: WATCH CAREFULLY FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS

AAA recommends the following tips for motorists:

Watch your speed!

Children may attempt to cross mid-block or between parked cars.

Look for children's shoes or costumes under vehicles to make sure they are not crossing between cars.

Children may be difficult to see if they are wearing dark costumes.

Children wearing masks may have an obstructed view of cars and traffic.

Obey all traffic signs, signals and markings.

If your children are trick-or-treating, make sure they follow the safety rules and that their costumes are visible and fit properly.

When driving trick-or-treaters on their rounds, don't forget to use appropriate car seats and have children exit and enter the vehicle on the passenger side.

Designate a sober driver if you plan to drink.

"DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO" DRIVER'S DECISIONS ON CELL PHONE USE AND TEXTING

For the fourth consecutive year, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's annual Traffic Safety Culture Index shows drivers know that cell phone use and texting while driving are dangerous, yet drivers continue to do it. Specifically, data from the 2011 survey found that 95 percent of drivers view texting or emailing by other drivers as a serious threat to their own personal safety. However, 35 percent of those same drivers also admitted to having read or sent a text message or an e-mail in the previous month.

To help bring greater recognition to the issue of cell phone use and distracted driving and combat this dangerous behavior, the AAA Foundation and AAA will promote Heads Up Driving Week from Sunday, October 2 through Saturday, October 8. The campaign aims to inspire drivers to pledge to a week of distraction-free driving while encouraging them to "Try it for a Week and Do it for Life".

"This research continues to illustrate a "Do as I Say, Not as I Do" attitude that persists among drivers, and perpetuates the threat of cell phone use while driving," said AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety President and CEO Peter Kissinger. "Changing our nation's traffic safety culture requires drivers to take responsibility for their actions and alter their own behaviors on the road."

According to the survey, 88 percent of drivers feel talking on a phone is a threat to safety. On the other hand, two- thirds admitted to having talked on a cell phone while driving in the past 30 days. The findings also showed that peoples' concerns about texting or emailing while driving (95 percent) is on par with drinking while driving (93 percent). Additionally, 87 percent of drivers expressed support for having a law against reading, typing or sending a text message or email while driving and 50 percent of drivers support having a law against the use of any type of cell, hand-held or hands-free, for all drivers regardless of age.

Distracted driving, especially the use of cell phones and text messaging, remains a top traffic safety concern for policymakers, safety advocates, law enforcement, industry, and the public. As part of AAA's commitment to improving highway safety for its members and all road users, AAA launched a legislative campaign in 2009 to ban texting while driving in all 50 states. So far in 2011, four additional states have enacted anti-texting laws, bringing the total number up to 34 states and the District of Columbia that have adopted this safety measure.

"We're encouraged by the process made in statehouses across the country to ban the dangerous practice of texting while driving, with more than two thirds of all states having such laws on the books," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "AAA will continue to advocate in those states without texting bans, but it's important to remember that good laws are only effective when accompanied by extensive public education efforts and visible and consistent enforcement."

Other distracted driving findings from the 2011 Traffic Safety Culture Index include:

Of those drivers who admitted to having talked on a cell phone while driving (67.7 percent of all drivers)

55 percent admitted to answering calls more than half the time while stopped at a red light; and 31 percent said they make calls at red lights fairly often or regularly

44 percent admitted to answering calls while driving on a residential street with no traffic more than half the time; and 26 percent said they make calls on residential street fairly often or regularly

28 percent admitted to answering calls while driving on a freeway with heavy traffic more than half the time; 15 percent admitted said they make calls on a freeway with heavy traffic fairly often or frequently

Of those who admitted to reading or typing text messages or emails while driving (35 percent of all drivers)

54 percent admitted to reading text messages or emails while stopped at red lights fairly often or regularly; and 35 percent said they type text messages or emails while stopped at red lights fairly often or regularly

27 percent admitted to reading text messages or emails while driving on a residential street with no traffic fairly often or regularly; and 15 percent said they type text messages or emails while driving on a residential street fairly often or regularly

16 percent admitted to reading text messages or emails while driving on a freeway with heavy traffic fairly often or regularly; and 9 percent said they type text messages or emails while driving on a freeway in heavy traffic fairly often or regularly.

The AAA Foundation and AAA will continue to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving in an effort to curb the use of cell phones as well as other distracting behaviors. For more information about distracted driving and take the HUDW pledge, visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

The AAA Foundation's fourth annual Traffic Safety Culture Index was conducted June 6 - 28, 2011 by Knowledge Networks for the AAA Foundation, with a nationally representative sample of 3,147 U.S. residents ages 16 and older using the web-enabled KnowledgePanel�, a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The survey has a margin of error of approximately +/- 2.3 percent at a 95% confidence level. More technical information is available at www.knowledgenetworks.com.

Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is an independent, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation's mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by conducting research into their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur.

INSURANCE NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER

AAA AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS TOP 10 LIST - HOW TO SELECT A REPAIR FACILITY

Fifty four percent of American drivers report they have decided to keep an existing vehicle rather than invest in a newer one, according to a recent AAA survey. In addition, many drivers are foregoing routine vehicle maintenance to save money now, knowing they risk higher repair costs in the future. These findings make it more important than ever for drivers to develop a trusted relationship with a professional auto repair facility.

AAA Automotive experts believe the best way to save money over the life of a vehicle is to choose a high-quality, full-service repair shop and allow them do all of the necessary maintenance and repair work.

"Drivers can take comfort in the knowledge that their vehicle will be serviced by trained professionals who can identify any potential problems," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "This helps prevent breakdowns, and often saves money by allowing drivers to make a small repair now rather than a much bigger one later."

The best time to look for a repair facility is before one is needed. Drivers can ask family and friends for recommendations, or visit AAA.com/carcare to find nearby AAA Car Care Centers or AAA.com/repair to find the nearest AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) shop. AAA Automotive experts recommend that drivers consider these ten areas when selecting a repair shop:

1.Facility Type - When evaluating full-service auto repair shops, drivers have three basic choices:

Dealerships - Dealer service departments are very familiar with common problems on the makes of cars they sell. Dealers also have factory-trained technicians, and are keenly aware of technical service bulletins or other special service advisories.

Independents - Quality independent repair shops may be slightly less expensive than dealers, and tend to have higher overall customer satisfaction. In addition, customers at independent repair shop are more likely to deal directly with the owner or technician, making it easier to develop relationships with the people who service their cars.

Specialists - Some independent repair shops specialize in certain vehicle makes or specific vehicle systems. By focusing on a limited part of the market, these shops can provide very efficient and effective service.

2. Appearance - A clean, well-organized repair facility reflects attention to detail and an effort to maintain a professional image.

3. Amenities - The facility should have a comfortable waiting area and clean restrooms. Many shops now have pick-up and drop-off service for the convenience of customers.

4. Technicians - The facility should employ qualified technicians who receive ongoing training in the latest technology. Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) are often posted, and dealerships may display vehicle manufacturer service training credentials. Collision repair shops often have certificates from training offered by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).

5. Equipment - A good repair shop will have up-to-date service equipment and repair data. The amount of information necessary to repair modern cars can no longer be effectively contained in paper manuals. Quality shops today have Internet access to repair information or an on-site service information library of CD/DVD ROMs.

6. Reputation - Time in business can be a good indicator of repair shop quality. Checks with the Better Business Bureau and state department of consumer affairs or Attorney General's office will provide information on the shop's handling of any consumer complaints.

7. Discounts - Selecting a quality repair facility that offers discounts on needed services is an excellent way to stretch repair dollars in this uncertain economy. Drivers who pay for repairs with a credit card may want to consider using the AAA Member Rewards Visa� card, whose reward points can be redeemed for $55 vouchers good towards auto repairs at any AAR facility. For more information, visit AAA.com/creditcard.

8. Warranty - Quality shops offer at least a 12-month/12,000-mile parts and labor warranty on their work. Drivers who travel regularly should make sure the warranty is honored nationally.

9. Look for a AAA Car Care Center - AAA Tidewater Virginia has five Car Care Center locations conveniently located across Hampton Roads. AAA Car Care Centers are full-service auto maintenance and repair shops owned and operated by AAA Tidewater Virginia. Services include an oil change, coolant flush, brake flush, state inspection, alignment and more. AAA members receive exclusive offers year-around including a 5% discount on all services and free battery inspections.

OR

Look for the AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) sign - AAA created the AAR program more than 35 years ago to help motorists find high-quality automotive service. Today, there are nearly 8,000 AAR facilities across North America. The AAR program includes dealers, independent and specialty repair shops. Every AAA-approved facility undergoes a thorough investigation, and less than half of all applicants are approved. AAA looks into all the areas discussed above, and much more. After approval, AAR shops are visited quarterly, re-inspected annually and monitored for customer satisfaction to ensure ongoing compliance with AAA standards. To locate nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities, visit AAA.com/repair.

In addition to the added peace of mind that comes with AAA approval, AAA members receive the following benefits at AAR shops:

Free Maintenance Inspection - On request, when having paid repair work done by an AAR facility, your vehicle will be inspected at no charge for those items that most frequently contribute to roadside breakdowns.

Written Estimate - You will be provided a written estimate of the cost of all work to be performed on your vehicle. The final cost may not exceed the estimate by more than 10 percent unless authorized by you in advance.

Warranty - Unless otherwise specified in writing prior to the start of work, all repairs (both parts and labor) are guaranteed for a minimum of 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, under normal operating conditions.

Dispute Resolution - AAA will investigate any dispute between a AAA member and an AAR facility. AAA's resolution decision is binding on the facility, but you are not bound by AAA's decision and may seek recourse through other avenues.

Many AAR facilities also participate in the AAA Show Your Card & Save program and offer discounts to AAA members. Visit AAA.com/discounts for more information.

10. Test-Drive the Repair Shop Once a potential repair facility has been identified, visit the shop for a minor service like an oil change or tire rotation. While you wait, talk with the repair facility employees and do a final evaluation of the shop using the criteria discussed above.

AAA REMINDS PARENTS TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE IN VEHICLES DURING NATIONAL CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK SEPTEMBER 18-24

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 3 to 14 years old, according to 2006 figures from the National Center for Health Statistics. However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 8,959 lives have been saved from 1975 to 2008 by the proper use of child safety seats.

During National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 18-24), AAA Tidewater Virginia is reminding parents and caregivers to ensure their children are secured properly in the correct seats - every trip, every time. AAA will be joining community partners for a child safety seat up event from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM this Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Lowe's located 2403 Virginia Beach Boulevard in Virginia Beach. Parent can have their safety seat checked for proper fit by nationally certified child passenger safety instructors.

According to NHTSA, nearly three out of four child safety seats are not used properly, which is a grave risk when traveling. "Securing your children properly in age and size appropriate child safety seats - in the back seat of your vehicle - is the most effective thing you can do to protect them in the event of a crash. Additionally, AAA recommends that all child passengers under age 13 should ride securely restrained in the back seat where they are the safest," commented Georjeane Blumling, Vice President Public Relations of AAA Tidewater Virginia. "In motor vehicle crashes, child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers."

AAA now advises parents of infants and young toddlers to secure their children in rear-facing child safety seats for as long as possible, maxing out the upper weight or height limits of the car seat. Researchers indicate that toddlers are 75 percent less likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash when they ride in a rear-facing car seat up to their second birthday. "We have a critical opportunity to save young lives by empowering parents to follow these new guidelines," said Blumling.

AAA recommends the following child passenger safety best practices:

Always read the car seat manufacturer's instructions and vehicle owner's manual.

Keep children rear-facing as long as possible until they reach the upper weight or height limit of their rear-facing convertible seat. This will usually be around 30-35 pounds.

Once children outgrow the upper weight or height limit of their rear-facing convertible seats, they can ride in a forward-facing child safety seat.

Children should use a forward-facing child safety seat until they reach the maximum weight (usually 40-65 lbs.) or height for the harness.

Children should ride in a booster seat until age 8 or older unless they are 4'9" tall.

Move children to adult lap/shoulder belts when they are at least 4' 9" tall (which usually happens between ages 8 and 12) and vehicle safety belts fit properly.

For all children under age 13, the back seat is the safest place.

Consulting an expert can be critical to ensure that children are secured in the safest manner possible. Parents and caregivers can visit the auto club's website www.AAA.com and click on the Traffic Safety Initiatives link for additional information on child safety seats and resources for finding a certified technician to inspect their child's safety seat and provide hands-on advice and instruction.

Come join us this Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Lowe's located 2403 Virginia Beach Boulevard in Virginia Beach, AAA Tidewater Virginia will be joining community partners for a child safety seat check event from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

AAA OFFERS TIPS ON FLOODWATER DAMAGE TO YOUR VEHICLE

A car damaged by floodwater should not be started until a thorough inspection and cleaning is performed, AAA warns. "In addition to the obvious damage done to upholstery and carpeting, flood water is a corrosive and abrasive mixture of water and dirt that forces its way into every seam and crevice of an automobile," explained Steve Benedict, Director of AAA Automotive Programs for AAA Tidewater Virginia.

If the car has been completely or partially submerged, it may be necessary to disassemble all mechanical parts for a thorough cleaning and lubrication. "The most vulnerable on a vehicle are the engine, transmission, and power steering systems," Benedict said. "Unless completely removed, dirt and other contaminants can cause premature wear of vital components and shorten the life of the vehicle."

AAA recommends car owners contact their insurance companies to determine the extent of coverage before seeking repairs. Before attempting to start a flood-damaged car, a qualified technician should:

Inspect all mechanical components including the engine, transmission, steering system, axles, and fuel system for water contamination.

Drain floodwater from contaminated systems and flush with clean water or a solvent, as appropriate.

Drain and replace all contaminated fluids, such as oil, transmission fluid, and engine coolant.

"The car's electrical system is also vulnerable to the damaging effects of flood water. Water-sensitive components may need to be replaced," Benedict said. "Engine computers, airbag sensors and other electronic devices can sometimes be salvaged, but corrosion and oxidation can occur several weeks after the components are cleaned."

There are many parts of the car that are difficult to clean and dry because they are virtually inaccessible. Door locks, window regulators, wiring harnesses, heating and air conditioning components and many small devices are tucked away in hidden spaces. These items may fail at a later date because of contamination by dirty water. "Total restoration of a flood-damaged car can be as extensive and expensive as restoring a classic," Benedict warned. "Compare the value of the vehicle to be restored to the cost of restoration before proceeding with flood-related repairs."

Car buyers in all parts of the United States should be aware that flood damaged vehicles can be shipped anywhere for resale and could be in the marketplace for many months. Having a vehicle inspected by a qualified technician and checking its title history should help determine whether it sustained flood damage. A telltale sign of flood damage on new and used cars is the presence of dried mud on components under the hood. A damp or musty odor in the trunk or interior is another warning sign. In older cars, new carpet and upholstery may indicate flood damage.

SLOW DOWN! CHILDREN ARE HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL NEAR YOU

As students across Hampton Roads Area gear up for the 2011-2012 school year, AAA reminds motorists to take notice of speed limits in school zones and to slow down and watch for children. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a pedestrian struck by vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed as compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster. "School zone speed limits are in place to save lives," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "Motorists need to be especially vigilant during the morning and afternoon hours when school children are walking to and from school."

AAA's School's Open - Drive Carefully campaign was launched in 1946 to help reduce the number of school-related pedestrian injuries and fatalities. In addition to slowing down, AAA offers the following advice for motorists to keep children safe as they navigate their way through school zones.

Ditch distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.

Stay alert. Don't rush into and out of driveways. Expect pedestrians on the sidewalk, especially around schools and in neighborhoods.

Stop at stop signs. It sounds obvious, but research shows that more than one third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods.

Watch for bikes. Children on bicycles are often unpredictable; expect the unexpected.

Brake for busses. It may be tempting to drive around a stopped school bus, but not only is it dangerous, it's against the law.

Plan ahead. Leave early for your destination and build in extra time for congestion. If possible, modify your route to avoid school zones.

Look for AAA School Safety Patrollers. With more than 600,000 AAA School Safety Patrollers at 31,000 schools across the country, they're a sure sign you're approaching a school zone.

In addition to the School's Open - Drive Carefully campaign, AAA has also teamed up with Richard Scarry's Busytown Mysteries to help keep children safe.

WEATHER THE STORM WITH FLOOD INSURANCE

When asked if they live in a flood zone, most people whose homes are nowhere near a large body of water would probably say no. But, in fact, everyone lives in a flood zone - it's just a matter of whether the risk for your home is low, moderate, or high. According to government statistics, flooding causes more than $2 billion worth of property damage in the United States each year. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not find out until it's too late that standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

At www.floodsmart.gov, a Web site run by the National Flood Insurance Program, you can input your address and quickly check your home's relative risk level of flooding. Special Flood Hazard Areas are areas that have the greatest risk of flooding. They include beachfront property and areas subject to flooding from a nearby body of water, or hard rains. Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas are considered low to moderate risk flood zones that are not in immediate danger of flooding caused by overflowing rivers or hard rains. Although it may seem unnecessary for homeowners in this category to purchase flood insurance, consider that one in four flood damage claims are for homes in low to moderate risk zones.
As little as one inch of water can cause costly damage to a home. You can't stop the water from rising, but you can protect yourself from devastating financial consequences by purchasing flood insurance on your home and its contents. Flood insurance is also available to renters in order to protect their belongings. Premiums depend on the location and / or elevation of your home and the amount of coverage purchased, but may be as low as $101 per year. A 30-day waiting period may apply before coverage goes into effect, so act now before it's too late.

Instead of thinking it will never happen to you, have the peace of mind knowing that you are protected in case it does. Don't let your dreams get washed away w/ the flood. For a free quote, visit your local AAA office or click here.

HEAVY RAIN AND WIND FROM HURRICANE IRENE CAN CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS, AAA WARNS

Hurricane Irene, the first hurricane of the Atlantic hurricane season, has its sights set to make landfall along the U.S. East Coast as early as Friday through the weekend and perhaps into Monday of next week. The heavy rains and strong winds associated with Hurricane Irene can quickly reduce visibility and create dangerous driving conditions on area roads. AAA Tidewater Virginia reminds motorists to take extra precautions when driving in severe weather. "In wet conditions and during severe storms, it is important to remember that you can't see as well, can't stop as fast and definitely shouldn't drive as fast," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "The first rule of thumb is if you don't have to drive - don't! Irene is expected to move into our area over the weekend. People should prepare in advance so you are not on the road unnecessarily during this forceful storm. However, if motorists must get on the road, it is critical that they take steps to see and be seen in these conditions."

AAA suggests that motorists take the following actions before, during and after the storm in order to remain safe:

BEFORE THE STORM

Gas up your car.

Clear your windshield and windows on the inside and outside, and ensure that your window wipers are in good shape.

Be sure your tires are properly inflated.

Check that all your lights are working properly.

Remove excess items from the car and trunk, and replace them with an emergency road service kit. Some important items to carry in the emergency kit include: flashlight with extra batteries; reflective triangles; fire extinguisher; jumper cables; first aid kit; jack and spare tire; rain gear or extra clothing; and pocket knife. On long trips, pack a few non-perishable foods and drink items like granola bars, cans of juice, etc.

Review maps and plan an evacuation route, if needed, including an alternate, Plan B. Keep them together with important contacts, and include someone outside the region who can serve as a central information gatherer for family members in the hurricane zone. Charge up cell phones and walkie-talkies, and buy any extra batteries needed.

DURING THE STORM

Heed the warnings of emergency officials and observe road closure signs - do not attempt to drive on closed roads or into evacuated areas. Stay tuned to local news alerts and government agency updates regarding road closures/restrictions, storm damage, emergency relief efforts, etc.

Turn on windshield wipers and head lights as soon as rain begins to fall. If intermittent wipers are used, be certain they are set to a speed that will clear the windshield before visibility is compromised.

If windows begin to fog, turn on the car's defroster. Air conditioning may be comfortable, but warmer temperatures clear windshields of steam more quickly.

Use low-beam headlights to help other drivers see your car and increase visibility.

Slow down. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. Rain decreases visibility and increases braking distances.

Increase following distances. Normal dry pavement following distance (2-3) seconds should be increased to 8 seconds or more when driving on slippery surfaces. While driving, train your eyes farther down the road than normal, so you'll be able to anticipate changes and adjust your course gradually.

Wet surfaces require careful and precise steering movements. Skids can be avoided by anticipating lane changes, turns and curves, slowing down in advance, and by making smooth exact steering movements. Driving in other vehicle's tracks can improve traction and help you avoid hydroplaning.

Drivers of four-wheel drive cars can hydroplane and lose traction on wet roads as any other vehicle.

Be wary of high wind conditions. Larger trucks are more affected by high winds, so give them plenty of room on the roadways.

Watch out for debris or downed wires on the roadways as a result of the high winds. If in a vehicle or on a piece of equipment that is in contact with a downed power line, the best rule is to stay there until help arrives. If there is an imminent danger, such a fire, stand on the door frame or edge of the vehicle and jump clear with both feet at the same time. Do not make contact with anything on the vehicle or equipment so that your body does not become a pathway for the electricity to reach the earth.

Do not attempt to cross any standing water on the road that looks too deep. Just six inches can make you lose control of your car and two feet of water will carry away most cars.

Try to avoid bridges and roads that are known to flood. Cross them only if there is little standing or streaming water.

If you are forced to stop in traffic due to poor visibility, turn on emergency flashers immediately and pull as far off the road as possible, preferably at the end of a guide rail. If possible, pull into a rest area or parking lot or other protected area.

AFTER THE STORM

If your car has been damaged, take pictures of the damage for insurance claims and contact your service agent.

If power lines are on your vehicle, do not attempt to remove them nor touch the vehicle. Contact the local power company for assistance.

If the vehicle has been flooded, contact a qualified automotive technician before attempting to start a flood-damaged car.

Have the technician inspect all mechanical components including the engine, transmission, steering system, axles, and fuel system for water contamination. Also have the technician drain floodwater from contaminated systems and flush with clean water or a solvent, as appropriate. All contaminated fluids, such as oil, transmission fluid, and engine coolant should be drained and replaced.

"As Irene crashes into our region, driving will become very hazardous, very quickly," said Blumling. "Heavy rain, high winds, and standing water on roads create some of the worst driving conditions. Following these tips will help to ensure that you and your vehicle remain safe."

AAA also reminds motorists of Virginia's headlights/windshield wiper law - headlights must be on when windshield wipers are in use because of inclement weather.

AAA news releases, high resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.
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WILL HURRICANE IRENE LEAVE VACATION TRAVELERS STRANDED WITHOUT SUN OR FUNDS?

Hurricane Irene is on its way towards the east coast just as many travelers were planning to head out for the that final summer escape before the students head back to school. Some may lose not only their vacation, but also their money. AAA, however, explains why not all vacationers will be out of luck. "Forward thinking travelers who took advantage of lower rates during hurricane season and opted for travel insurance which allowed them to cancel for 'any reason,' are home-free when a storm hits," said Georjeane Blumling, spokeswoman for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "In addition, travelers who are still hoping to travel will benefit from basic preparedness tips which can prevent a multitude of problems."

AAA's travel agents are busy working with clients this week that could face a wide variety of scenarios as a result of Hurricane Irene ranging from those who can easily re-book for another date to those who are without any good options. AAA travel agents report that the most difficult conversations are with those who have lost both their cherished vacation and the hard earned money used to pay for it when the situation was preventable. It is rare for travelers to be completely out of luck, but it can happen. "Most travel vendors will work with clients to accommodate them to an alternate unaffected destination or to allow for rescheduling of the trip at a later date," noted Blumling.

AAA agents remind travelers in the late summer and fall, both rates and crowds are at some of their lowest points of the year. It is a time, however, when the most well informed, flexible and well prepared travelers have the best experiences. AAA suggests using the complimentary services of a professional travel agent to guide travelers through the best booking options and to be there to help in the event of a hurricane or other challenges.

Well prepared travelers are always ready to handle delays and the unexpected from any weather or related delays. AAA offers the following reminders for travelers:

Stay abreast of local forecasts both at your departure city and your destination.

Check your airline flight status before leaving for the airport.

Check with your hotel for local updates on the storm's impact.

Monitor weather conditions on a regular basis as things can change quickly.

Travel with only a carry-on bag when flying to give you greater flexibility if your schedule changes and so that you will have your luggage with you if delayed.

Pack "emergency" creature comforts with you like snacks, rain coats, and extra clothing, etc. A flashlight with extra batteries, radio and extra water are a good idea if going to a beach house.

Heed all evacuation advisories and/or orders.

Carry enough medication for two to three times the length of your trip - If flying, always keep medication in carry-on luggage.

Arrange emergency back-up child and/or pet care as applicable - Carry all applicable contact information on your person and not in checked luggage.

Leave a house key with a trusted friend or relative and carry their telephone number with you - This person can take care of any home care essentials, mail, and/or access information you may need.

Purchase travel insurance and know what you are getting - Traditional travel insurance policies are valuable for a variety of travel situations. However, they do not cover acts of God and are therefore no help for travelers facing storm related cancellations. Select travel packages, on the other hand, allow vacationers to simply cancel their trip with no questions asked as long as the required notice is provided and the insurance is booked at the time of deposit on the vacation. While it is too late for folks to get coverage now that a storm is charging towards us, this is a good lesson for the future.

Have emergency funds available for hotel stays, food, and basic necessities - check all credit card available credit limits and expiration dates.

Take care of critical items/bills which are due immediately upon your return BEFORE YOU GO - examples: mortgage payments, tuition bills, school registrations, college applications, legal documents, etc.

Carry important numbers with you for any one you might need to contact to advise your delay - examples: Jury duty, court appearance, etc.

International travelers are advised not to travel with a passport which expires within a short period after your return. Delayed travelers will find it very difficult to re-enter their home country with an expired passport.

AAA OFFERS MOTORISTS 10 EASY WAYS TO KEEPS KIDS SAFE AS THEY RETURN TO SCHOOL

As the long days of summer give way to the start of another school year, AAA Tidewater Virginia would like to remind motorists that driving habits must change to insure the safety of children heading back to school throughout the Commonwealth. AAA's annual School's Open - Drive Carefully safety initiative is done solely to remind motorists to watch out for the youngsters in their neighborhoods, in school zones, and other places.

AAA PROJECTS 31.5 MILLION AMERICANS WILL TRAVEL FOR LABOR DAY

Airfares rise 13 percent, and for the first time this year, the number of holiday air travelers expected to decline for a major travel holiday.

AAA OFFERS TIPS FOR PARENTS SENDING THEIR TEEN TO COLLEGE WITH A VEHICLE

Preparing college-bound teens for life away from home can be an anxious and task-filled time. While many parents will be teaching and reminding their teens about diet, laundry and personal safety, they too frequently forget the important subject of car care and repairs before sending their teen and vehicle off to college. "Learning the crucial points of car care is something that should be part of the process of learning to drive," said Georjeane Blumling, Vice President of Public Relations for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "But often those key points are never taught or only briefly reviewed and never utilized because the teen's vehicle is maintained by someone else while they are living at home." Before sending their teen and vehicle off to college, AAA encourages parents to review four main areas about properly maintaining a vehicle and preparing for the unexpected.

ONE IN FOUR AMERICANS COULD NOT PAY FOR MAJOR CAR REPAIR, ACCORDING TO AAA SURVEY

One in four American drivers could not pay for a car repair of $2,000 if faced with one today, according to the results of a survey released by AAA. The survey also found one in eight would be unable to pay for a repair bill of $1,000.

THEME PARKS ARE GEARING UP FOR ANNUAL HALLOWEEN EVENTS THAT PROMISE TO BE THE SCARIEST EVER!

See what these Show Your Card & Save partners are planning this year!

MY CAR WON'T START- NOW WHAT? AAA OFFERS ADVICE TO STRANDED DRIVERS

Nation's largest motor club provides tips to keep motorists safe and help get them back on the go quickly after a breakdown