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AAA tips to keep drivers safe during heat, breakdowns, delays

AAA expects to rescue more than 14,000 Ohioans over the Independence Day holiday.

As Ohioans prep to hit the road to travel, temperatures will be pushing 90 degrees in the Miami Valley as well as other popular destinations.

Drivers need to prepare for possible breakdowns or delays and make sure their vehicles are road-ready and up-to-date on maintenance. Staying on top of routine maintenance is the best way to prevent roadside breakdowns.

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Breakdowns can put drivers and their passengers at risk, especially on busy interstates.

At the first indication of a mechanical problem, drivers need to try to safely move their vehicle as far to the right, away from the lanes of travel, as possible, then stay in the vehicle and call for help. When help arrives, remain in the vehicle until police or AAA’s Roadside Rescue approaches the vehicle with further instructions.

Backups and delays caused by things such as vehicle crashes can result in drivers being stranded along highways for extended periods of time. Summer’s heat can cause dangerous conditions for those stranded without shade.

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AAA Fleet Manager Chris Overpeck offers these tips to keep drivers safe:

  • During the summer months, drivers should carry a minimum of five bottles of water for each person in the vehicle. It's also important to have a fully charged cell phone, a car charger and coolant with them.
  • If traffic is not moving, do not use the accessory setting to listen to the radio or use any other devices that could drain the car battery.
  • While running the air conditioner, drivers should keep an eye on the dash and if the vehicle starts to overheat, shut it off immediately and open the hood to allow the engine to cool off. The vehicle may need to be off for a minimum of 45 minutes. When restarting the vehicle, leave the hood open.
  • If you can't operate the vehicle's air conditioning, open windows on both sides of the car to cross-ventilate.
  • Carry a windshield sun shade in your vehicle to provide some protection from the sun.
  • Staying in your vehicle is usually the safest option. If, however, the heat becomes too oppressive and traffic shows no signs of moving, consider seeking shelter in the shade. If there are trees or an overpass nearby that would provide shade, take a break and give your body time to cool off.

Last year during the Fourth of July, more than 14,000 Ohioans required a tow from AAA because of breakdown.

AAA offers free vehicle maintenance inspections and a membership isn’t required.

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