With Hurricane Sandy swiftly approaching, here are a few tips on how to stay safe and informed while you drive and travel during the coming inclement weather.

For Motorists

• Keep your distance: A car needs two to three times more stopping distance on wet pavement, so allow extra following distance between cars.
• Slow down: Motorists should drive slowly, particularly through puddles. Hitting several inches of water at high speeds can cause a driver to lose control of the car.
• Never drive through high or standing water: This can flood the engine and create short-circuits in the electrical components, among other problems.
• Do not use cruise control: Cars can lose control and traction more easily on wet pavement.
• Use the center lanes: When driving during heavy rain, use center lanes of the road (without crossing the yellow line). Avoid outside lanes where water collects at curbside.
• Beware of downed trees and power lines: The potential for downed trees, power lines and road debris exists.
• Assess conditions: In the interest of personal safety, motorists should consider postponing driving until weather and road conditions improve.

AAA Members in need of Emergency Road Service may call (800) AAA-HELP (222-4357).

For Travelers

• Be aware that cancellation policies at hotels, airlines and cruise lines vary.
• Travelers need to heed all evacuation advisories and orders.
• Check your airline flight status before leaving for the airport.
• Be sure to check with your hotel or final destination in advance for local updates.
• If you’ve purchased travel insurance, please inquire as to coverage with your travel consultant or travel insurance company.
• AAA is assisting travelers with booked vacations to affected areas. For the latest information and help with changes, cancellations or rescheduling, visit www.AAA.com or call (888) 320-5631.

For Auto & Home Insurance Policyholders

• If you’ve been affected by recent events and have AAA Insurance, call (800) 207-3618 to start a claim or access emergency services.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 860,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.

AAA news releases are available in the AAA Newsroom at www.AAA.com/Media.