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