| But some diligent planning - for everything | | | | On the Road |
| from fuel costs to rest stops - will make the | | | | |
| experience enjoyable rather than frustrating. | | | | * Start fresh. Rather than leaving early |
| | | | after staying up late packing clothes and |
| AAA offers the following advice for families | | | | loading your vehicle, get plenty of rest the |
| planning their next road trip. | | | | night before your trip. Driving drowsy is |
| | | | extremely dangerous and results in many |
| Before You Go | | | | crashes and deaths each year. |
| | | | |
| * Take some time to plot your journey from | | | | * Be safe. Make sure that all passengers are |
| beginning to end. Plan your trip online using | | | | secured properly with safety belts and child |
| for point to point driving directions. If | | | | safety seats as needed. Choose the proper |
| you don't have access to the Internet, | | | | child safety seats for your children and make |
| contact your nearest local AAA travel office | | | | sure the seats are properly installed. Up to |
| for a custom-made triptik. | | | | 90 percent of child safety seats are |
| | | | incorrectly installed. |
| * Calculate your gas costs. If you are | | | | |
| looking to pinch a penny on fuel, visit This | | | | * Keep your family engaged. If you are |
| site helps motorists forecast the cost of | | | | traveling with children, they'll need |
| fuel for their trip based on the specific | | | | something to keep them busy. Be sure to bring |
| vehicle's make, model and year. | | | | games and books to help them pass the time. |
| | | | Many vehicles now feature on-board DVD |
| * Give your car a checkup. Have your vehicle | | | | players that can help keep children |
| inspected by a certified auto technician. To | | | | entertained for hours. |
| find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility in | | | | |
| your area, visit | | | | * Stop periodically to stretch your legs. |
| | | | Take a break every two hours or every 100 |
| * Remember, timing is everything. As you plan | | | | miles, especially if you are traveling with |
| your trip, make time allowances for traffic | | | | children and pets. To avoid driver fatigue, |
| jams, road construction and other factors | | | | make arrangements to alternate with other |
| that may reduce your expected speed. | | | | drivers. |
| | | | |