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Plan a Road Trip With Safety in Mind

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Kevin Feather 3 Min Read
A graphic of a station wagon with a luggage rack on the roof driving down a palm lined road.

It’s exciting to plan a road trip and figure out the places you’ll go. And whether you’re gearing up for adventure, relaxation, sightseeing, family time or all of the above, it’s important to consider the rules of the road and how to make your trip a safe one.

If the road is calling, join the ranks of savvy road-trippers and follow these tips for a fantastic ride.

An illustration of a car in a AAA Car Care garage with its hood up getting serviced.

Give your vehicle a checkup

Before hitting the road, make sure your car can get you where you want to go. Visit your nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facility or AAA Car Care location for a tuneup, and have the tires, brakes, battery, engine oil, radiator, wiper blades, fluids, belts, hoses, filters and air conditioning thoroughly checked.

  • TIP: A free vehicle maintenance inspection is offered upon request with any paid service, a $50 value for AAA Members.

Rent your ride

Reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle by renting a car for your next road trip. Save money on a Hertz rental with your AAA Membership—with over 3,000 off-airport locations, you’re sure to find a ride that meets your needs.

Illustration of a car with a cute dog hanging out of the window in a parking lot.

Keep pets safe and happy

If you plan a road trip with your furry friend in tow, keep these suggestions in mind:

  • Make sure vaccinations are up to date before hitting the road.
  • Bring the essentials along, including vaccination records, collar with tags, food, water, and favorite toys and treats.
  • Ensure your pet will be able to keep up with your itinerary.
  • When driving for long stretches, make pit stops for bathroom breaks and fresh air.
     
Illustration looking down on a very busy road next to a beautiful ocean view.

Practice defensive driving

The rules of the road are there for a reason, so take your time but cruise defensively. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, scan the road ahead and check your surroundings for potential hazards. Always signal when changing lanes. And most importantly, stay alert and avoid distraction.

Tap into the AAA Mobile app

Make the most of the AAA Mobile app to drive safely and find the best amenities. The app can:

  • Help you plan two-hour driving breaks
  • Search AAA Approved and Diamond hotels, as well as nearby gas stations, restaurants and attractions (and discounts too)
  • Request roadside assistance, should you need it

Book a room at a AAA Diamond hotel and save with your Membership.

Find hotels

When planning a road trip, have a first aid and emergency kit on hand. Assemble your own or purchase one and supplement it with additional items like blankets, a weather radio, a flashlight, drinking water, and nonperishable food for people and pets.

And of course, have a paper map of your route in case your GPS falters. A printed TripTik can be ordered online (allow two weeks for mail delivery). You can also pick it up at your local branch office.

Illustration of a Jeep with a AAA sticker on the back driving down a beautiful desert road into the sunset.

Don’t forget to enjoy the trip!

After all the safety precautions and trip preparations, don’t forget the most important part—enjoying it! Take in the scenery, find spots to stop and use your AAA Membership to unlock discounts along the way.

Road trip preparation

Ready your ride for the road

Let us get your car prepared for your trip. Make an appointment to have your car inspected and maintained prior to taking that trip whether it's a long weekend or a long vacation.

Schedule maintenance

Offer valid through 4/30/2025. Offer valid for Classic/Basic Memberships only. Pricing valid at member join only. Offer excludes Motorcycle coverage. Payment of full AAA Membership dues is required upon renewal. Offers, terms, conditions and restrictions apply and are subject to change without notice. Not combinable with any other offer. Offer not valid in FL, GA, MI or PR. A member can add one eligible family member for free for up to one year. Additional Associates are half price. Associate memberships are available to the Primary member’s spouse, one other adult living in the household, and their children living at the same residence or away at school. Associate members must have the same type of membership as their Primary member, with the exception of Motorcycle. Associate membership expires on the renewal date of Primary member.

Upon activation and with proper identification, AAA will provide regular AAA services and full privileges for the new member. Roadside benefits begin three days after payment of dues. Some restrictions apply. Roadside assistance is provided by independent facilities contracted by AAA. Coverage in taxis, limousines and other ride-sharing conveyances is excluded. Visit AAA.com/MemberHandbook for details about member benefits, including any limitations or restrictions. Offers, terms, conditions and policies are subject to change without notice. Savings partners subject to change. Source: 2023 AAA U.S. Market Track national surveys. Includes service vehicles owned by clubs and service vehicles owned by third parties under contract with AAA to provide services to AAA members. Taxes, fees & options excluded. Terms apply. Partners and offers are subject to change and restrictions apply. For a complete list of offers, visit us online at AAA.com/Save or your local AAA office.