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Skyways and Highways Busy Over Labor Day, AAA Says

3 September 1998

Skyways and Highways Busy Over Labor Day, AAA Says; Outdoor Activities Drawing Record Crowds for Labor Day

    SAN FRANCISCO--Sept. 3, 1998--The great outdoors is on the minds of Northern Californians setting out to celebrate the summer's last holiday, AAA reported today.
    "Beaches, mountains and theme parks are top destinations for Northern Californians who will make this the busiest Labor Day holiday on record," said AAA spokesman Paul Moreno.
    AAA polls project that 36.6 million Americans -- or 14 percent of the nation's population -- will venture at least 100 miles from home this holiday weekend. This is up 5 percent from Labor Day weekend last year.
    Of those traveling, 90 percent will go by auto, meaning that 33.1 million Americans will take extended road trips. The other 10 percent will travel by air, train or bus, according to AAA's survey.
    Motorists will find the lowest summer gas prices in California in three years. The Northern California average is $1.23 for a self-serve gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, according to AAA's Aug. 25 gas survey.

Where Are Travelers Going?


    The top destinations for Northern Californians flying this weekend are Las Vegas and Southern California. Motorists have set their sites on the seaside areas all along the California coast and to mountain areas like Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and campgrounds, according to AAA.
    Those taking extended trips are headed for Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and the Grand Canyon.

AAA Tips for Auto Travelers

--   Plan your route. Call 800/427-ROAD for road conditions and keep a
     map handy.

--   Take a break every two hours or 100 miles of driving to avoid
     fatigue.

--   Check your vehicle's fluid levels before hitting the road. Make
     sure the tires and spare are in good condition and properly
     inflated.

--   Carry emergency items in your car, including a flashlight with
     fresh batteries, jumper cables, and flares or a reflective
     triangle.

--   Consider traveling with a cellular phone for emergencies.

--   Pets should be in pet carriers or in a harness secured to a seat
     belt so the pet can rest comfortably on the rear seat and cannot
     interfere with driving. Give your pet plenty of cool water as you
     stop along the trip, and make sure your pet is shaded while
     driving.

Tips on Traveling With Children

--   Make certain everyone is properly secured in a seat belt or child
     safety seat. Children under age 12 should always ride in the back
     seat.

--   Pack special snacks and favorite toys that are appropriate for
     in-vehicle use.

--   Bring books, compact games and puzzles that can be used quietly.
     Books of stories or information about your destination can pique
     children's interest in the trip.

--   Dress children in comfortable, seasonal clothes.

--   Let children choose a radio station, tape or CD that they like.
     Bring recorded stories and songs for youngsters.

--   Leave a pillow in the car so your child can nod off comfortably
     once all the sights and sounds of the trip have become
     exhausting.

	    Established more than 90 years ago, the AAA affiliate of Northern
California, Nevada and Utah offers a wide array of automotive, travel,
insurance and financial services. It is the second largest regional
affiliate of the national AAA organization.

	    Note to Editors: Additional information is available on the
following: 
1) Traveling Safely with Pets
2) Combating Driver Fatigue
3) Safe International Travel