School is in the rear-view mirror and families are traveling, the summer road trip season is here! This summer, motorists can rely on AAA Western and Central New York for tips and resources that will help travelers hit the road with peace of mind.

Over the most recent holidays, Memorial Day and Independence Day, more than 90% of travelers used cars as their mode of transportation. AAA expects that trend to continue with road trips being very popular this summer. AAA has tips to help ensure your summer road trip goes smoothly!

E-ZPass Makes Road Tripping Easy
Did you know that New York State converted to cashless tolling last year? The change on the NYS Thruway System means travelers can face a 30 percent toll increase and an additional $2 administration fee to pay by mail. However, E-ZPass offers travelers on the thruway the ability to avoid both the rate increase and administrative fee with the convenience of paying automatically. 

Also, E-ZPass provides seamless interstate travel - it is accepted along the 570-mile NYS Thruway System and in more than 16 states. E-ZPass On-the-Go tags are available at your local AAA Travel Store for $25 and most AAA locations offer a discount on E-ZPass tags for AAA members. When you register your tag online or over the phone, the $25 becomes your prepaid toll balance. Each E-ZPass customer can receive up to four tags for their vehicles.

Make Sure Your Car is Road Trip-Ready 
Before any long road trip, AAA recommends getting a vehicle inspection to check key components like the battery, engine, tires, brakes, and fluid levels. AAA surveyed consumers and found that 21 percent do not have a trusted repair shop or mechanic. To help consumers, AAA created its Approved Auto Repair program over 45 years ago. AAA Approved Auto Repair shops must meet and maintain specific criteria like technician certifications and training, facility cleanliness and outstanding customer service. Plus, there are over 7,000 locations to choose from across North America. 

Road trips are all about the journey and the destination
Road trips are unique from other types of travel because the journey itself is as important as the destination. AAA has produced TripTiks since 1938. Now digital as well, the route maps ensure travelers have information at their fingertips. Also, the interactive AAA Digital TourBooks help travelers by featuring detailed destination information, must-see attractions, sample itineraries, and more.

AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map helps vacationers travel smart
Despite steps in the right direction, COVID-19 is still a very real part of the world, and it’s important to travel safely and smartly. CDC guidelines are updating as vaccinations increase and each state has their own guidelines. AAA created its COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map to help people navigate local and state travel restrictions that may still be in place.

Be prepared in case a road trip ready vehicle breaks down
Even a vehicle that passes a pre-trip inspection could run into trouble on the road. In fact, AAA expects to respond to 9.4 million calls for help this summer, and most of those will be for dead batteries and flat tires. Motorists can contact AAA by calling or texting “HELP” to 1-800-AAA-HELP, submitting a request via the web, or using the AAA mobile app (available on Google Play or in the App Store). 

AAA is here to save you from roadside disasters. Did you know that as a AAA Premier Member, you can be towed up to 200 miles? Upgrade your AAA membership or give the gift of peace of mind.

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