Travel Alert: Michelin and AAA Offer Tips to Stay Safe During Busy Memorial Day Driving Weekend

"The odds of getting into a driving crash increase significantly when more cars are on the road, which is why drivers should take extra precautions both before and while they're on the road," said Robert Sinclair, AAA spokesperson. "AAA expects to rescue over 350,000 motorists at the roadside this weekend -- a few simple safety checks could help prevent you being one of them."

Flat tires are among the most common mishaps that are called in to AAA, along with dead batteries and lockouts.  

"Most people forget about their tires, but when you think about it, they're the only part of the vehicle contacting the road," said Sarah Robinson, safe driving expert for Michelin. "Many tire-related incidents can be avoided if drivers ensure they have proper tire pressure and adequate tread depth."

B.E. S.A.F.E. this holiday weekend and all summer long with these six road-trip tips from Michelin and AAA: 

B: Begin with a safety check. It's better to be safe than sorry. Conduct periodic safety checks to ensure your car is in good operating condition, especially before a long trip. Before you hit the road, make sure your lights, fluids, hoses, windshield wipers and tires are in good working order. 

E: Employ the penny test. Tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, so ensuring they're in good condition for maximum grip is of the utmost importance. Make sure your tires have the proper amount of tread before hitting the road, especially with the possibility of unexpected summer showers. Click here to learn how easy it is to do this with a penny. And if you decide your tires need replacing, you might want to consider a great all-season tire like the Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus, which delivers true all-season performance and superior wet- and dry-braking.

S: Stay safe, check your pressure. Tires don't carry the weight of your vehicle, the air pressure inside them does. Underinflated tires offer less traction, can reduce fuel efficiency, wear out prematurely and, most importantly, suffer unnoticeable and irreparable damage that compromises their performance and safety. In fact, under-inflation is one of the most common reasons for tire failure.

As a general rule, your tire pressure will gain or lose 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10° F change in temperature. Check your air pressure when tires are "cold" in the morning and compare that number to the sticker in your door jamb before hitting the road for holiday travel.  Don't forget to check the air in your spare, too.

A: Avoid overloading. Consider leaving your extra suitcase at home when seeking out sun and sand, and be sure to clear out any extra junk that may have accumulated in your car over the winter. Lightening your load will positively impact your gas mileage, handling and braking distance.

F: Focus on the road. While on the road, focus fully on driving. Any activities that could divert your attention should be avoided while at the wheel. This includes things like using your phone, snacking, or reaching into the backseat to attend to a child or pet. Save these actions for a rest stop, or if necessary, pull over to the side of the road.  

E: Emergency preparedness:  Always carry a well-stocked emergency kit in your car that includes items such as jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, reflective triangles, first aid kit, water and non-perishable food items. It's also a good idea to program your cell phone with emergency numbers, including that of your roadside assistance provider, and keep a back-up written list in your glove compartment.

For more information and additional safe driving tips, visit: www.michelinman.com.

About National Tire Safety Week
National Tire Safety Week is an initiative of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and its members that aims to educate consumers nationwide about essential tire safety maintenance practices. In its 14th year, the annual event is part of the "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" program, a year-round effort designed to help drivers learn the simple steps they can take to ensure that their tires are in good working condition.

About Michelin North America
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy duty trucks and motorcycles. The company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelinman.com) employs more than 22,750 and operates 20 major manufacturing plants.

About AAA
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 56 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.  Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

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SOURCE Michelin North America

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