Pa july by AAA East Central

SEE PAGE 3

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Vol. 60 No. 7

BOOK BY 7/31 & SAVE AS MUCH AS $100! PER ROOM

ULTIMATE ALASKA Winter Wonderland Tour • Feb 20–March 2 An extraordinary chance to glimpse the Northern Lights, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race and Alaska’s winter wildlife & wilderness!

See the “real” grandeur of Alaska that its summer visitors never see!

LASKA IN FEBRUARY? Crazy, right? Make that “crazy awesome”! In today’s lingo that translates into unique, unusual and you-need-to-experience-itto-believe-it! It’s true: AAA’s Ultimate Alaska Winter Wonderland tour does depart on Feb 20, right in the middle of Old Man Winter’s reign. But that’s exactly what makes this trip so special. This is when the true Alaskans reclaim their stunning state from the hordes of summer tourists who descend upon it like so many mosquitoes (also absent in winter!). And it’s also the time of the wondrous natural phenomenon known as the Aurora Borealis.

And what can make it even more special are the discounts available to AAA members who book & deposit through July 31, 2013: Premier members save $100 per room, Plus members save $75 and basic AAA members save $50 off the regular AAA Member Rate. Begin in the interior city of Fairbanks with a nighttime excursion in search of the beguiling Aurora Borealis. This natural light display in the sky can vary in brightness from barely visible to the naked eye to bright enough to read at night. The Northern Lights were named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas.

THESE BOOTIES ARE MADE FOR RACING! — The Iditarod’s fleet-footed, 4-footed participants sport protective paw pads.

Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort, more than a century old and equally famous for its healing mineral waters and for Aurora Borealis displays visible 200 nights a year on average. You’ll ascend area hills for Northern Lights viewing; being 60 miles from Fairbanks, the resort’s free of light pollution, making it ideal for far-off aurora and up-close wildlife viewing opportunities. The next morning, settle into comfortable seats aboard the Alaska Railroad, whose cars feature grand picture windows and open-air vestibules — excellent for unobstructed photos of the Great Land. In winter, the land along your full-day route to Anchorage takes on a quiet, mystical character. Enjoy an entire day at leisure to explore Alaska’s largest city... or opt to flightsee through the Chugach Mountains or try dog sledding with an Iditarod musher. Motorcoach via the scenic Seward Highway, arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in America, past Chugach State Park’s 3,000foot-high mountains jutting up on your left. On the right, the sprawling, sometimes 4-milewide flats of Turnagain Arm stretch like a plain to the oppoULTIMATE ALASKA continues on page 8

JULY 2013

Don’t be myopic when it comes to sunglasses

Travel | Insurance/Financial | Automotive | Member Savings | AAA.com

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AUTO TECHS

Just as sunscreen protects your skin, sunglasses shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses made with your prescription offer that protection while also providing your eyes with the correction they need. The AccuFit Digital Measurement System — found exclusively at LensCrafters — considers your unique features to ensure the best possible placement of the prescription in your sunglasses lens. When selecting sunglasses made with your prescription, look for lenses that best suit your lifestyle and activities: Green or gray lenses are best for bright sunlight. Brown or blue lenses improve contrast, making them a good choice for sports. Yellow lenses are ideal for early mornings and late afternoons because they make your surroundings appear brighter. A light brown lens is perfect for cloudy days when you still need protection from damaging UV rays. And anytime you’re dealing with glare, polarized lenses are the way to go. Check out the amazing selection of sunglasses made with your prescription at your local LensCrafters. Stylish frames from Ray-Ban, Coach, Prada, and Oakley—can be fitted with prescription lenses to keep you looking “cool” in the summer heat. Visit LensCrafters for The Semi-Annual Sale where you will save 50% off lenses with a frame purchase. PLUS, for a limited time, valued AAA members get an extra $5 OFF when you Show Your Card & Save®. Hurry, offer expires 9/9/2013. Visit www.AAA.com/visionsavings for details.

New travel guides for AAA Mobile iPad app

Top Destinations, a new generation of member-exclusive and downloadable AAA travel guides, was released in June as part of an update to the AAA Mobile iPad app. Series titles feature engaging and interactive designs with photos and color maps, original guide content and expert recommendations to point users to the best experiences top travel destinations have to offer. Included functionality enables users to save favorite details for referencing, trip-planning and sharing via Facebook and Twitter. “These new travel guides are unlike any other member travel information product,” said AAA East Central President Jim Lehman. “They pinpoint the very best things to see and do at member-preferred destinations and enable users to make the most of their visits to these locations.” The initial six titles are Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, New York City and Orlando, Fla., and others soon will be added. Non members can view select sections in each, and a valid membership number is required for full access.

AAA senior driving site wins industry award

AAA’s SeniorDriving.AAA.com senior driver safety website received an award of distinction in a recent competition sponsored by the International Academy of Visual Arts. The academy seeks to promote innovative thinking about the changing nature of media. Members include communications and advertising professionals from organizations such as Condé Nast, Disney, Time Inc. and Lockheed Martin. “Nearly half of senior drivers worry about losing their freedom and mobility,” said AAA East Central President. Jim Lehman. “This award reflects AAA’s commitment to be the leading source of information, tools and resources for senior drivers and their families.”

Set sail for savings with Royal Caribbean Cruises

Summer is sizzling onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises with signature features and amenities like onboard rock-climbing walls, waterparks, ice skating rinks, world-class dining and Broadway style entertainment. And AAA Travel is adding some scorching hot extras like prepaid gratuities, specialty restaurant dining, complimentary spa treatments and onboard value savings booklets when you book and deposit a balcony or higher category stateroom on 5-night or longer Royal Caribbean sailings by July 31, 2013. SEE PAGE 11

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AAA MOTORIST

Pack AAA savings into your summer vacation Exclusive discounts on hotels, theme parks, car rentals and more

rom the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge, the country is bursting with fun, familyfriendly vacation destinations. But making memories that last a lifetime can be expensive. Before you pack your bags, it’s important for you to plan ahead, set a budget, build some fun into your travel time and prepare the car. Decide early in your vacation planning which items are splurge-worthy and where you can save some money. AAA membership provides extensive discounts to make a summer getaway more affordable. Here are just some of the many travel-related discounts available to AAA members:

Travel Discounts

At AAA.com/travel, AAA’s round-theclock online vacation center, you’ll find

AAA DIRECTORY INTERNET WEB SITE: www.AAA.com AAA MEMBER SERVICES • ADDRESS CHANGE triptiks, tourbooks, maps, license 412-363-5100 or 1-800-441-5008 APPROVED AUTO REPAIR 412-365-7411 or 1-800-233-9733 EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE 412-362-1900 or 1-800-222-4357 EXPRESS TRAVEL RESERVATIONS

airline tickets, tours, cruises, rental cars

412-363-7283 or 1-800-354-8761

INSURANCE SERVICES: 1-800-207-7947 MEDIA RELATIONS: 412-365-7157 PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 412-365-7242 AAA MOTORIST: 412-365-7017 SAFETY: 412-365-7211 TDD for the hearing-impaired: 412-363-7144

Lodging Discounts

AAA members who stay at AAA preferred hotels receive discounts ranging from five to 15 percent off the best available rate and the comfort of a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. A direct comparison of hotel rates offered on competing sites showed that AAA.com offered the lowest hotels rates available 69 percent of the time. Preferred hotels include Best Western, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, the Hilton Family including Hampton; Marriott brands including Renaissance; and Starwood Hotels & Resorts including Sheraton and Westin. Use the AAA Diamond Ratings to identify properties that meet your needs.

JULY 2013

AAA BRANCH OFFICE LOCATIONS

SAVE BIG — AAA membership makes summer getaways more affordable. everything needed to research, plan, reserve and book an air, land or sea vacation — whether it’s a weekend getaway, a romantic cruise or the trip of a lifetime. Click on Hot Deals to save on an ever-changing selection hotel, flight and flight & hotel specials. Simply enter your origin and destination to see what’s currently on sale.

Car Rental Discounts

Hertz, AAA’s exclusive car rental partner, recently acquired the Dollar Thrifty Auto Group and AAA’s partner-

ship agreement has been expanded to include both brands. The addition of the Dollar Thrifty brands to the AAA car rental portfolio provides members with more choice for economy rentals. AAA members will now receive a 10% discount on published Dollar retail rates, and an 8% discount at Thrifty Car Rental on all car classes when booked in advance. In addition, members can receive a 10% discount on navigation units (GPS). Hertz offers members a wide variety of money-saving discounts and exclusive offers using a Hertz/AAA CDP Number (your club code – 215). AAA member benefits include the guaranteed best rate available at time of reservation by booking channel. AAA members now enjoy all the benefits of Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership absolutely free and earn points towards free rental days.

Attraction Tickets

AAA offers discounted admission tickets to dozens of the most popular theme parks and attractions for a summer getaway. Choose from world-class destinations like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Orlando, amusement parks like Cedar Point, Dollywood, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, zoos, waterparks and more. Visit AAA.com/ Tickets for a complete list of Print at Home and Tickets by Mail.

NEVER BEEN EASIER TO SAVE

Get easy, on the go access to AAA services including, Roadside Assistance, Maps, Directions and Travel Planning, and Member Exclusive Discounts with AAA Mobile, our free, all in one app for iPhone and Android smartphones. Visit AAA.com/mobile for more information. Travelers can find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants in the printed TourBook® guides available at AAA offices, the eTourBook guides at AAA.com/ebooks, online at AAA.com/Travel.

Altoona 1634 Valley View Blvd. ............................. 814-946-1277 Butler 138 Clearview Circle .................................... 724-287-2713 Cranberry The Village Shoppes, 20510 Rt. 19 .......... 724-772-1122 Erie 6660 Peach St. Unit #2 .............................. 814-866-0246 Franklin 102 Sugar Creek Town Center Rd. ........... 814-432-3960 Greensburg Eastgate Shopping Center 5142 Route 30, Suite 135 ......................... 724-834-8300 Grove City 24 Pine Grove Village Dr. .......................... 724-458-8930 Harborcreek 4430 Buffalo Rd. ........................................ 814-897-9508 Hermitage 1749 E. State St.......................................... 724-981-9141 Indiana 1169 Wayne Ave........................................ 724-349-4193 Jamestown (New York) 111 W. Fifth St., Jamestown, N.Y.. ........... 716-488-1981 Kittanning Franklin Village Mall. ............................... 724-543-1924 Lewisburg 530 1/2 North Derr Drive . ....................... 570-524-7455 Lower Burrell/New Kensington Area Crossroads Plaza 2503 Leechburg Rd.................................... 724-339-4440 McKean County (Bradford) 587 South Ave. .......................................... 814-368-3113 Meadville 18939 Park Avenue Plaza Unit #7 ............ 814-724-2247 New Castle 40 East St.................................................... 724-658-8551 Niagara-Orleans 7135 Rochester Rd, Lockport, NY. ............ 716-434-2865 Pittsburgh–Century III Area (Pleasant Hills) 9 Clairton Blvd. (RT 51). ........................... 412-655-6100 Pittsburgh–Downtown 538 Smithfield St. ...................................... 412-338-4300 Pittsburgh–East Liberty/Shadyside 5900 Baum Blvd. ........................................ 412-365-7196 Pittsburgh–Monroeville 2725 Mosside Blvd. .................................... 412-858-4640 Pittsburgh–North Hills Area (Ross Township) 4790 McKnight Rd. .................................... 412-367-7600 Pittsburgh–Robinson Township Robinson Town Centre 1760 Park Manor Blvd. ............................. 412-809-2800 Pittsburgh–South Hills Area (Bethel Park) 160 Ft. Couch Rd. ...................................... 412-833-5203 Rochester 300 Adams St. ............................................ 724-775-8000 St. Marys 1375 Bucktail Rd. ...................................... 814-834-7838 Somerset 110 N. Center Ave. .................................... 814-443-6526 Sunbury 1001 Market Street. .................................. 570-286-4507 Uniontown 111 W. Main St. ......................................... 724-438-8575 Warren 2285 Market St. ......................................... 814-723-6660 Washington 196 Murtland Ave. .................................... 724-222-3800 Waynesburg 184 Greene Plaza, US 21 & I-79 ................ 724-627-3434 White Oak/McKeesport Area Oak Park Mall, 2001 Lincoln Way ............ 412-675-3400

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Preparing the next generation of auto techs The 2013 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition Western Pennsylvania Official publication of AAA East Central Published monthly (except bimonthly Aug./Sept., Nov./Dec.) by AAA East Central 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 412-363-5100/1-800-441-5008 USPS 0679-240 ISSN 1066-6869 Periodicals Postage Paid at Pittsburgh PA Postmaster: Send address changes to AAA Motorist Western Pennsylvania c/o AAA, 5900 Baum Blvd Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 Subscription Rate: $1 included in Primary Membership dues. All others: $2/year. Publisher..................................... James E. Lehman Managing Editor ............................ Douglas O’Neil Editorial Office 5900 Baum Blvd, Pittsburgh PA 15206-3854 412-365-7017 e-mail: motorist@aaaec.com

AAA EAST CENTRAL Chairman: ................................................Richard S. Hamilton Vice Chairman:....................................... James E. Broome, Jr. Vice Chairman:....................................... Douglas W. Caldwell Vice Chairman:.........................................Mary Lynn Laughlin Vice Chairman:.................................... Martha Hartle Munsch OFFICERS: President: ....................................................James E. Lehman Treasurer & CFO: ............................................Michael R. Pratt Secretary: ................................................ Robert H. Compton GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS Glenn B. Bachman, James E. Broome, Jr., Steve D. Bullock**, Douglas W. Caldwell, Charles O. Casto, Edward C. Coaxum, Jr., Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, Jon E. Denney, Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Richard S. Hamilton, James H. Kanicki, Mary Lynn Laughlin, William Duff McCrady, James M. McDonnell**, Thomas V. McKernan Jr., Martha Hartle Munsch, Gary K. Munsie, Terrence L. Walton** EAST CENTRAL REGION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Debra A. Dinnocenzo, Chairman, Neil D. Bassi, Vice Chairman, Carol Asam, Christian Asam, Jack A. Barkley, William E. Bierer**, Ellsworth T. Bowser**, Peter Burton, Marianne B. Campbell, Charles O. Casto, Michael A. Cochran, Daniel J. Collins Jr.**, Robert S. Collins, Robert H. Compton, James J. Dodaro, Jack G. Ellis, Floyd R. Ganassi**, Mona N. Generett, Charles W. Groce , Richard S. Hamilton, Mark Henschen, Luke Howe, Richard Kallenborn, Herbert G. Koenig, Mark S. Mansour, W. Duff McCrady, Martha Hartle Munsch, W. Lee Oswalt, III, Michael Parkes, John D. Petruso, Louis Pomerico, Leonard L. Scheinholtz**, James C. Stump, Jr., James F. Ward *ex officio **emeritus directors Allegheny Regional Board of Directors William C. Bradley, Jr., John Fuller, Wilfred Lippert, Bruce Meabon, John D. Petruso, Adam J. Preston, B. J. Smith, John D. Whitehill Butler Regional Board of Directors Jack A. Barkley, John W. Conway, Joseph D. Davidson Jr., Kenneth W. McKinney, John E. McNallen, Merril Moses, Raymond J. Nicklas, John E. Whitmer, John H. Wise Indiana Regional Board of Directors Thomas Brice, William B. Hastings, Joseph N. Mack, Herman Sledzik Jefferson/Clarion Advisor Edwin Snyder McKean County Regional Board of Directors Elizabeth M. Costello, Thomas Frederick, Richard Kallenborn, David J. Malone, Josephine A. McCord, Stanley Pecora Mercer Regional Board of Directors R. Glenn Adams, Robert E. Davis, Merton W. Hutton, C. L. McCandless, Ralph Q. Steadman, William R. Sumners Mon Yough Advisory Board Robert W. Baum, James J. Dodaro, J. Terrence Farrell, Alonzo Howell, Jacob N. Skezas, Al Thomas, Dom Toretti Warren Regional Board of Directors Gail Cobb, H. Robert Hampson, M. Dennis Hedges Jr., Luke Howe, Gerald A. Huber, Linn Hyde, James J. Jordan, Donald E. Lewis, James F. Miller, Ralph D. Pasquino Jr., James H. Young Jr. Washington/Greene Advisory Board Neil D. Bassi, E. Paul Day Copyright ©2013 by AAA East Central.

By Richard Hamilton Chairman, AAA East Central ehicles are becoming more complex every year, and so is the need for a skilled workforce to service them. One hundred of the nation’s best young automotive minds recently converged on the Motor City to compete for the title of the nation’s top high school technicians. Held June 9-11 at Ford World headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, the 64th Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition National Finals featured the top high school automotive technology students from all 50 states. Each state was represented by a two-student team and their high school instructor. Designed to showcase career opportunities in the automotive service sector, the annual event matches high school students in a side-by-side contest to repair deliberately and identically disabled vehicles. Most have logged hundreds of hours of preparation getting ready to battle their tech-savvy peers. When the dust settled, the duo of Logan Boyle and Cody Collins, under the guidance of instructor Drew Barnes from Vale High School in Vale, Oregon, claimed the crown as America’s top auto technicians. With jobs in the auto industry on the rise, up over 30 percent since last April according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills challenge serves as a springboard for students to launch their careers. And as automotive technology evolves, so does our perception of auto technicians.

Richard Hamilton If you’ve looked under the hood of a late model car recently, you’ll understand why today’s auto repair techs must not only be proficient with a socket wrench, they must be equally well versed in computer and electronics systems. Skilled technicians today require more knowledge than an automotive engineer of 15 years ago and the industry needs to attract dedicated young people to keep America’s 250 million vehicles operating safely and trouble-free. AAA’s partnership with Ford is also working to change attitudes; break down barriers and open doors that might otherwise be closed to this career path. This year’s finalists included two female competitors making a run at the national title, in what has been a traditionally

male-dominated field of endeavor. The road to Dearborn began in January when nearly 13,000 high school juniors and seniors took an online exam testing their automotive technology knowledge followed by state competitions all across the country. It culminated with a race against the clock and each other to identify glitches and repair deliberately-installed “bugs” in identical 2013 Ford Explorer XLTs. In addition to awards that included trophies and tools, the students competed for a share of the nearly $12 million in scholarships available through the state and national competitions. This year’s national champions also earned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain hands-on experience during a job shadow experience with Wood Brothers Racing’s legendary 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Fusion team and driver Trevor Bayne, winner of the 2011 Daytona 500. One of the highlights of the week-long internship was serving as honorary pit crew at the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach. AAA’s commitment is to provide motorists with solutions for all their automotive needs and that includes ensuring they have reliable, quality auto repair options both now and in the future. The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition is just one of the ways that AAA and Ford are creating an awareness of career opportunities in the automotive service industry and promoting the development of an educated workforce, well equipped to respond to increasingly sophisticated auto repair challenges.

membersonly

Everything you need in the palm of your hand AAA eTourBooks for on-the-go travel information

lanning a summer road trip? Let AAA’s digital travel guides lead you to your vacation destination. These awardwinning e-publications help you navigate the big cities or hike the national parks with AAA’s team of professional travel editors. AAA members have relied on the printed TourBook® guides for nearly a century. Now they can pack a wealth of AAA travel information on the portable wireless devices you are already carry. Available exclusively for AAA members at AAA.com/ebooks, AAA eTourBook guides provide detailed trip-planning information for top travel destination locations across North America, including national parks. AAA now publishes 101 eTourBook titles and these destination-specific guides contain listings for AAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants, AAA travel editors’ picks for attractions, nightlife, and events, suggested 3-day itineraries,

insider tips and images, and more. Some titles even include maps displaying key local areas and highway networks. The Washington, D.C., eTourBook guide includes a color-coded map for the city’s Metrorail system. Member downloads of eTourBook guides recently surpassed 250,000 and the 10 most frequently requested titles are Orlando, Fla.; Washington, D.C.; New York; San Francisco; Las Vegas; national park titles for Grand Canyon and Yellowstone; Boston; Seattle; and Honolulu.

The Las Vegas title recently received Digital Book World’s top Publishing Innovation Award for non-fiction content. Free to members, guide content is refreshed daily to ensure you have access to the most up-to-date travel information when you download a title. Each one is provided in the file formats designed for today’s digital technology. Sync files to your Kindle, Nook or Sony Reader, or download directly to your iPad or smartphone, to put everything you need for your next trip in the palm of your hand. Just go to AAA.com/ebooks on your personal computer, click the “Destinations” button and select a title. If you do not already have a user name and password, you can register on the login page. Download the file to your personal computer and transfer it to a compatible e-reader device. Some devices may require the use of thirdparty software, such as iTunes. Tap into the possibilities with AAA eTourBook Guides at AAA.com/ebooks.

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Tips to expedite your insurance claim Making sure your insurance claim goes smoothly

iling an insurance claim can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has put together the following tips to help policyholders facilitate the process: Know your policy — Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Know the terms of that contract, including what’s covered, what’s excluded and the amount of any deductibles. File claims as soon as possible — Call your agent or your insurer’s claims hotline as soon as possible. Your policy might require notification within a certain time frame. Provide complete, correct information — Be certain to give your insurance company all the information they need. Incorrect or incomplete information will only cause a delay in processing your claim. Keep copies of all correspondence — Write down information about your telephone and in-person contacts, including the date, name and title of the person you spoke with and what was said. Also, keep a record of your time and expenses. Ask questions — If there is a disagreement about the claim settlement, ask the insurer for the specific language in the policy that explains the reason why the claim was settled in that man-

Your policy should cover the cost of temporary repairs, so keep all receipts. Also, maintain any damaged personal property for the adjuster to inspect. Don’t make permanent repairs — An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage has been inspected. Try to determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster — Provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made to your property. Ask the claims adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer. Don’t rush into a settlement — If the first offer made by an insurance company does not meet your expectations, be prepared to negotiate. If you have any questions regarding the fairness of your settlement, seek professional advice.

MAKING A CLAIM — When an emergency strikes you don’t want any additional problems. ner. If this disagreement results in a claim denial, make sure you obtain a written letter explaining the reason for the denial and the specific policy language under which the claim is being denied. If you have a dispute with your insurer about the amount or terms of the claim settlement, you should con-

tact your state insurance department for assistance. Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage — Your auto/homeowners policy might require you to make temporary repairs. If possible, take photographs or video of the damage before making such repairs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Trust AAA to steer you right on all your current and future Auto, Home and Life insurance needs. Combining your coverage with one insurance company could make a significant difference in your premium. Call 800.207.7947, or visit AAA.com/insurance for more information or to schedule a comprehensive Insurance review. AAA – your trusted insurance advisor.

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AAA identifies motorists’ breaking point on gas prices Most offset high gas prices with driving or lifestyle changes

alf of U.S. adults consider gas prices to be “too high” when they reach $3.44 per gallon, indicating a potential breaking point on gas prices, according to a new consumer price index developed by AAA. Roughly two-thirds of Americans (62 percent) are offsetting high gas prices by changing their driving habits or lifestyle. The report presents the findings of a national telephone survey conducted on March 28-30. AAA combined the answers from 974 respondents to determine the potential consumer breaking point for high gas prices. “It was not long ago that motorists were shocked to pay more than $3 per gallon for gasoline, but now that is standard at stations nationwide,” said Jim Lehman, president AAA East Central. “Today’s average consumer feels the tipping point on on fuel prices is closer to $3.60 per gallon, and rising costs are forcing many motorists to change their driving habits.” AAA’s gas-price index tracks consumer attitudes by determining at what price the cost of gasoline becomes too high. The results from the open-ended survey demonstrate how attitudes can be expected to change as prices rise above significant milestones: • 46 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $3.00 per gallon; • 61 percent believe gas is too high

THE NEW NORMAL — Gas prices have stayed above 3.00 per gallon for the past two years. when the price reaches $3.50 per gallon; • 90 percent believe gas is too high when the price reaches $4.00 per gallon. “It is possible there is a new normal in terms of consumer attitudes now that gas prices have remained above $3 per gallon for more than two years,” notes Lehman. “Most people have resigned themselves to paying higher gas prices and are cutting back on driving, shopping and dining out to save money.”

Consumers report changing their driving habits or lifestyle in a number of ways to offset recent gas prices, including: • Driving less – 86 percent; • Reducing shopping or dining out – 71 percent; • Driving a more fuel efficient car – 54 percent; • Delaying major purchases – 53 percent; • Working closer to home – 39 percent; • Carpooling – 33 percent;

• Using public transportation more regularly – 15 percent; • Other – 18 percent. Younger consumers ages 18-34 are more likely to offset recent gas prices by working closer to home or using public transportation more regularly than adults ages 35 and up (48 percent vs. 35 percent and 25 percent vs. 10 percent, respectively). These results could suggest a generational shift in terms of attitudes towards driving, but it is too early to say whether these attitudes would continue into the future. Gasoline prices have been averaging around $3.60 per gallon, but prices currently vary by more than $1 per gallon nationwide. While the national average has not surpassed $4.00 per gallon since 2008, the national average has remained above $3.00 per gallon for 28 consecutive months. PRICE CHECK

AAA members searching for lowest gasoline prices should look no further than their own personal computer or mobile device. AAA’s Fuel Price Finder at AAA.com, shows local prices and station locations within a ten-mile radius of your address. On the road, use the AAA Mobile app for iPhone and Android to display local prices and station locations. For more information or to download AAA Mobile, visit the AAA Mobile solutions page at AAA.com/mobile.

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Ultimate Alaska

AAA MOTORIST

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continued from page 1

MUSH!

Hurry in s! g n i v a s g i b r o f MEMBERS SAVE 1 OF 3 WAYS Premier...... $100 Plus ..............$75 Basic ............$50

ULTIMATE ALASKA

PER ROOM...NEW BOOKINGS ONLY

Winter Wonderland Tour • Feb 20–March 2 site shores of Cook Inlet, where mammoth sloping mountains abruptly stop their flat expanse. Each turn reveals another scenic wonder! Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see wildlife close up and then the Alaska Sealife Center for an indepth look above and below the water. Spend 2 nights and a full day at leisure at the luxurious Alyeska, Alaska’s only 4-diamond hotel & restaurant and its premier year-round resort. Nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and spectacular ocean views, the Alyeska offers luxurious accommodations and convenient access to the magnificent Alaskan wilderness. Relax at the on-site spa or take advantage of optional activities such as

dog sledding, snow machining (Alaskan for “snowmobiling”), flightseeing, downhill skiing or showshoeing. An included tram ride offers spectacular views of the valley. Back in Anchorage, tour the historic downtown and lakes Hood & Spenard. Visit the Alaska Zoo for a behind-thescenes tour. End the day at the Mushers’ Banquet festivities and dinner for participants (the human ones, at least!) of the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race. See the winner’s trophy, meet & mingle with mushers and enjoy a great meal all in one evening. Meet 4-time Iditarod champion Martin Buser at his Happy Trails Kennel. Hear personal stories while glimpsing the grandeur Alaska has to offer along

BOOK & DEPOSIT THROUGH 7/31/13 the Iditarod Trail. Return to Anchorage to visit the Iditarod Headquarters and see firsthand a replica Iditarod Trail station. Next morning, grab a great spot along 4th Avenue for the city start of the Iditarod festivities. See mushers from all over the world and enjoy a variety of other Iditarod-related activities. In the afternoon, catch some of the many fascinating cultural opportunities on offer at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Venture north on your last day, stopping in Wasilla (hometown of Alaska’s best known ex-governor) for the day’s on-your-own lunch items. At Willow, the official Re-Start of the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, watch the mushers and their teams dash off on their arduous 1,131-

mile journey to Nome. Ultimate Alaska’s before-discount AAA Member Rate of $2,955 is per person double occupancy, is subject to availability and includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, accommodations, luggage handling, sightseeing transportation/admissions, 14 meals, the services of a AAA Tour Manager (if the minimum-participation goal is met), an in-Alaska guide and hand warmers. Ask a AAA Travel Agent about available addon airfare from your gateway city. Given the popularity of last year’s departure, don’t wait to reserve your spot! Call 1-800-354-8761 or visit AAA.com/ GoAlaska now.

a Alasky! o G / A.cotme itinerar A A t i s Vi comple for

MOOSE NOT BE TOO COLD! — Don’t let winter temps prevent you from enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime adventure; you’ll surely be rewarded with sights that will warm your heart!

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Ireland wants you to “come home to visit” This year, the pipes are calling you back to the Emerald Isle

veryone, it’s been said, has a bit of Irish in them and without a doubt the Emerald Isle’s greatest export has been its people. Now Ireland wants you to “come home to visit.” It’s all part of a yearlong extravaganza called “The Gathering: Ireland 2013,” and the timing couldn’t be better. The Gathering taps into that yearning in ways generations of Irish descendents should find irresistible. Yes, big and boisterous events like Limerick World Food Day and the Imagine Arts Festival in Waterford abound, but with the emphasis on grassroots participation odds are you’ll find something of interest wherever you go. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, near Limerick, is a great place to begin. The 25-acre living history museum vividly recreates 19th century Ireland with rural farmhouses, shops and of course a pub. Towering 700-feet above the coast are the fabled Cliffs of Moher. Those who brave the chill can actually watch the gales sweeping in from the Atlantic. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay. In Foynes, the Flying Boat Museum recalls the early days of air travel, when transatlantic traffic landed here to refuel. It’s also the birthplace of Irish Coffee, invented to warm weary passengers. The Ring of Kerry — a 100-mile route that winds around the Iveragh

Experience the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Blessington, and stately Russborough House, a Palladian mansion filled with treasures. From the elegant Georgian townhouses, to the charming Hapenny Bridge over the River Liffey, Dublin is a cosmopolitan city with a quality all its own. Visitors can view the 1,200-yearold Book of Kells at Trinity College, or enjoy a Guinness in an authentic Irish pub. Here the art of conversation finds effortless expression and no one remains a stranger for long.

IF YOU GO

ON THE EDGE — Timmy the dog relaxes on the Cliffs of Moher. Peninsula — is Ireland’s most popular scenic drive. Here the mountains tumble into the sea in a landscape that’s woven like a fine Irish tweed. On Valencia Island visit the Skellig Experience and learn about the monks who lived on these rocky islands. Those hoping to find out if they’re descended from Irish gentry, can stop by Moll’s Gap for expansive mountain vistas and to tour Muckross House, an elegant Georgian mansion. Historic Blarney Castle is about 5-miles from the ancient city of Cork.

High up in the battlements is the Blarney Stone, believed to be half of the Stone of Scone, and said to bestow the gift of eloquence for a kiss. In the port town of Cobh, visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration to America. Learn about the many hardships of Irish emigrants as they made their way to the New World. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city. This is history you can touch and feel as you explore the heart of Ireland’s traditional crafts at Waterford Crystal.

AAA’s 6-night Irish Heritage tour departs October 13-20, 2013. Highlights include medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Blarney/ Cobh Heritage Centre, Waterford Crystal Tour, and Dublin City Tour. This AAA Featured Vacation includes motorcoach transportation, hotel accommodations, 11 meals, admissions, sightseeing and guide as per itinerary, hotel taxes, service charges, and baggage handling. Ask about add on airfare. FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please see this issue’s Departures Guide or log on to AAA.com/Europe for more European vacation ideas.

GM busting myths about pickup truck efficiency Tailgate up or down — an age-old mystery solved

erodynamic and truck are not words you normally see in the same sentence. With their tall, boxy exteriors pickups seem like the antithesis of those slippery, wind-cheating shapes you see on exotic sports cars. Some vehicle shapes are inherently more aerodynamic than others, but designers have been learning how to tweak every vehicle to reduce friction and drag. Carefully balancing details like the front air dam, sideview mirrors and rear tailgate can yield significant benefits in fuel economy. To study the way air passes over, under and around vehicles GM engineers turn to their state-of-the-art Aerodynamics Lab. The 750-foot-long tunnel has a 43-foot-diameter fan powered by a 4,500 horsepower electric motor that can generate winds of up to 138 mph. “We can’t stop air; we can only guide it through the path of least resistance,” said Dianne Bloch, GM aerodynamic performance engineer. “The biggest misconception is that it’s all about single components. But a certain side mirror design doesn’t create a certain amount of drag, its interaction with the rest of the vehicle does.” In designing the all-new 2014 Sierra

CHEATING THE WIND — The 2014 GMC Sierra pickup underwent extensive wind tunnel testing. full-size pickup truck Bloch examined every millimeter of the truck to find areas of improvement, debunking some popular myths along the way. Bloch’s team detected the most harmful air between the cab and bed was coming over the cab and down through the gap, so new sealing was added to prevent unwanted airflow. A long-disputed topic among truck owners is whether a tailgate raised

or lowered is better for aerodynamics. Bloch says a tailgate in the up position is more efficient. As air flows over the truck, it falls over the cab and pushes forward on the rear of the truck. With the tailgate down, the benefits of that airflow are diminished. “Replacing the tailgate with an aftermarket net is worse than having no tailgate at all,” Bloch said. “Imagine dragging a solid object and a fishing

net through water. The net is going to require more muscle.” Bloch says all those aftermarket accessories have an impact on aerodynamics. Add-ons like bug deflectors on the hood, wider tires or aftermarket bumpers can raise the drag coefficient, which is the measure of how air pushes on a vehicle as it moves down the road. The result: added noise and increased fuel consumption. So what accessories can truck owners add to help aerodynamics? Tonneau covers for the bed help smooth airflow over the truck, and Bloch says soft covers are more beneficial than hard covers because they form to how the air wants to flow. Running boards can also help air flow smoothly down the truck’s sides. “Round, tube-style running boards can provide a minor improvement to the truck’s drag coefficient,” said Bloch. “Fully integrated, flush-mount running boards are even better.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit AAA.com for information on all things automotive including tips on buying, operating and maintaining a vehicle.

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AAA MOTORIST

JULY 2013

Renewing your “WOWs” with AAA Discounts & Rewards Celebrate a whole new way to save at AAA.com

he savings are sensational at AAA Discounts & Rewards. We’re making it easy for AAA members discover great deals on the names they want and the products they need — all at unbeatable prices. AAA Discounts & Rewards is an innovative new shopping experience on AAA.com that features deep discounts, limited offers and everyday savings on dining, electronics, home, apparel, entertainment, pet care and more, from approximately 30,000 participating merchants nationwide — including national chains like Macy’s, Best Buy and The Home Depot. There’s power in numbers, and that means AAA is able to leverage the purchasing power of millions of members in return for big savings from merchants who want your business. The AAA Discounts & Rewards shopping portal at AAA.com/discounts features an intuitive, easy to navigate interface to help you find exactly what you are looking for with just few simple clicks. Check out the Hot List for local offers, or use the AAA Discounts & Rewards Shopping Engine to find their favorites. Members can also receive recommendations based on their interests. In addition to discount offers, you’ll earn WOWPoints on most purchases, a unique online currency, that you can “burn off” at your favorite participat-

AAA East Central members can access the AAA Discounts & Rewards page from AAA.com/discounts. Feel free to browse through all the offers, however, you must first register at the time of transaction. Registration is free — a valid AAA membership and email address are all you need. Offers are available online, by phone, and sometimes in-store via a printed coupon and include limited time offers, deep discount offers and everyday offers. Members can even buy local restaurant gift certificates and earn WOWPoints at the same time. Why wait any longer? Register online at AAA.com/discounts. Then shop, save and earn on national and local brands, restaurants and retailers.

DOUBLE UP ON DISCOUNTS — Save serious cash and earn WOW PoInts at the same time when you shop at AAA Discounts & Rewards. ing merchants. The majority of merchants will give at least one WOWPoint for each dollar spent, with many of them giving two, four, or more times the WOWPoints per dollar spent. One hundred WOWPoints equals $1 and members can start burning their points with as little as $2 or 200 WOWPoints. • WOWPoints are as flexible as cash; • 100 WOWPoints earned = $1.00;

• No limit to the points you can earn; • No blackouts, no inflated redemption prices and no restrictions; • WOWPoints never expire. They remain valid as long as you are a AAA member; • Double Dip — WOWPoints can be earned on top of your points from your AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about the AAA Discounts program including Show Your Card & Save and AAA Prescription Savings, or to sign up free for AAA Discounts & Rewards visit AAA.com/Discounts.

Don’t get burned by summer travel season AAA predicts 8 million motorists will need assistance

ummer travel season is revving up and no one wants to see their vacation ruined by a roadside breakdown. Between the major summer holidays of Memorial Day and Labor Day AAA expects to rescue over 8 million motorists. Unexpected breakdowns can and do occur. That’s why you need the safety and security of AAA roadside assistance. But the best way to avoid a breakdown is to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. AAA recommends that motorists brush up on their maintenance before hitting the road: Service Your Battery — AAA will assist nearly 1.6 million motorists with dead batteries this summer — replacing more than 500,000 batteries at the roadside. Summer heat breaks down car batteries internally and accelerates the rate of corrosion on the terminals. Most car batteries have a three to five year service life and having your battery tested by a professional technician to help avoid unexpected trouble. Air Conditioning Check — A vehicle without air conditioning can be hot and potentially dangerous during the summer. Automotive air conditioning systems do not require routine maintenance, but if you have noticed a decrease in cooling, have it examined by a qualified technician.

door. Finally, inspect the tread depth and overall condition of the tires. Worn tires are much more likely to suffer punctures and other problems. Belts, Hoses and Fluids — Replace accessory drive belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed, as well as coolant hoses that are visibly worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump. Check the engine coolant level, along with that of other important under hood fluids such as the engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. A low fluid level could indicate a leak or other problem that should be checked out by a professional technician.

CURRENT AFFAIRS — AAA anticipates it will jump start or replace more than 1.6 million batteries this summer. Wipers and Washer Fluid — Rain, insects, grime and other debris on a windshield will compromise the driver’s vision and safety. The life of a wiper blade is typically six to 12 months. If your wipers leave streaks or cannot clear the windshield in one swipe they should be replaced. Check the windshield washer fluid level and top it off with a solution formulated to aid in the removal of insects and other debris.

Tires — Roughly one million drivers will call AAA for help with a flat tire during the summer travel season, and many of those problems could be avoided with a quick tire inspection. Make sure all five tires are inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer—this can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker usually attached to the driver’s door jamb, or sometimes inside the gas cap

BEFORE YOU GO

This summer, AAA will remedy over half of motorists’ car problems at the roadside but an estimated 3.5 million drivers will need to be towed to a place of repair. If it’s almost time for scheduled maintenance, have your car serviced before a trip by a competent professional like those who participate in AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program. Visit AAA.com to locate the AAA Approved Auto Repair facility nearest you.

JULY 2013

AAA MOTORIST

PAGE 11

Member Benefits • Exclusive Offers

1-800-354-8761 • AAA.com/travel

AAA Member Exclusive

REALLY RED-HOT R E M M U S FREE EXTRAS SIZZLING ON RCI CRUISES: Prepaid Gratuities! Specialty-restaurant Dining! Complimentary Spa Treatments! Onboard-value Savings Booklets!

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SHIPS REGISTERED IN THE BAHAMAS

Book & deposit on a balcony stateroom (or higher level) on 5-night-orlonger Royal Caribbean sailings...

between Aug 1 & Sept 30, 2013:

• Prepaid gratuities for 1st & 2nd guests per stateroom (up to $24 per night) • Dinner for 2 in an onboard specialtydining restaurant ($50 value)

between Oct 1 & Dec 31, 2013:

• 2 Passport to Savings onboard-value booklets per stateroom ($350 value each) • 1 complimentary spa treatment per stateroom ($100 value) • Prepaid gratuities for 1st & 2nd guests per stateroom (up to $24 per night) • Dinner for 2 in an onboard specialtydining restaurant ($50 value)

And, if the RCI cruise you choose is ALSO a AAA Vacations® sailing, you may also get... • Priority check-in to avoid time-consuming lines • In-stateroom chilled Champagne upon arrival • Up to $50.00 shipboard credit per stateroom DATE

NTS

SAMPLE AAA VACATIONS® SAILINGS SHIP

ITINERARY

8/31

Vision of the Seas

Scandinavia & Russia: Roundtrip from Copenhagen DK

9/7

Oasis of the Seas

Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Ft Lauderdale FL

9/8

Freedom of the Seas

Eastern Caribbean: Roundtrip from Pt Canaveral FL

9/15

Brilliance of the Seas

Canada/New England: Roundtrip from Boston MA

10/12 7

Oasis of the Seas