AAA reveals Top Driving Distractions for Teens as “100 Deadliest Days” Begin
June 3, 2016
Research from AAA Foundation Finds 60% of Teen Crashes Involve Distraction
Knoxville, TN – Over the past five years, more than 5,000 people have been killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period starting at Memorial Day when teen crash deaths historically climb.
As the summer driving season begins, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is releasing a follow-up study confirming that nearly 60 percent of teen crashes involve distractions behind the wheel.
AAA urges Drivers to be Cautious on Flooded Streets
May 11, 2016
Knoxville, TN – Thunderstorms are creating flash flood situations in Northern Tennessee. AAA urges motorists to be cautious. Heavy rainfall can create dangerous driving conditions with little to no visibility. It is very important that motorists adjust their typical driving style.
Nearly 1.2 million traffic crashes occur each year on wet pavement with more than a half million injuries and 5,700 deaths, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Slowing down during wet weather driving.
1 in 5 Motorists do not wear a Seat Belt
May 3, 2016
Knoxville, TN – In 2014, 21,022 motor vehicle passengers lost their lives. Tragically some of these deaths could have been prevented if the passenger had been wearing a seat belt. Seat belts save lives.
Yet, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research found nearly 1 in 5 drivers (17.8%) report having driven without wearing their seat belt in the past 30 days; nearly one-fifth (15.2%) report doing this more than once, and more than 1 in 20 (5.6%) report driving without a seat belt fairly often or regularly.
Rear seated passengers are three times more likely to die in a crash
AAA reports that Almost All Tennessee Drivers say Texting While Driving is Dangerous
April 3, 2016
Knoxville, TN – More than 102,000 traffic crashes have been caused by distracted drivers in Tennessee in just the past five years, AAA reports. In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, AAA warns drivers to put it down, don’t text and drive and avoid any activities that divert attention from the primary driving task.
Any distractions could endanger a driver, passengers, or others sharing the road including bicyclists or pedestrians.
Texting while drive is a serious, life-threatening practice is preventable. Be safe behind the wheel – be social off the road.
AAA Issues Safety Tips for International Travelers
March 29, 2016
Knoxville, TN – AAA offers its deepest sympathies to those affected by the terrorist attacks in Brussels. A ‘Travel Alert’ is currently in effect for all of Europe, outlining the potential risks; however, the State Department has not gone so far as to urge travelers to cancel vacations by issuing a ‘Travel Warning’.
“AAA travel agents have received numerous calls from concerned travelers, but very few have cancelled their vacations to Europe,” said Don Lindsey, Public Affairs Director, AAA Tennessee. “While AAA urges all travelers to stay informed and increase their awareness when traveling abroad, the decision to vacation in Europe is a very personal decision that is solely up to the individual traveler.”
AAA experiences few cancellations in Tennessee, despite ‘Travel Alert’ to Europe.
AAA reports Three Quarters of Americans are Afraid to Ride in a Self Driving Vehicle
March 4, 2016
Despite fear, AAA survey reveals experience with vehicle technology leads to trust
Knoxville, TN – New vehicle technology has become a major topic among American motorists. According to a new AAA survey, three out of four U.S. motorists are afraid to ride in a self-driving car. Motorists feel the technology is too new.
In spite of this fear, AAA found that motorists who own vehicles with semi-autonomous features are 75 percent more likely to trust the technology then those who don’t own it.
AAA reports Potholes costing Drivers Billions in Repairs
February 17, 2016
AAA finds two-thirds of American motorists are concerned about potholes
Knoxville, TN – As snow and ice begins to melt on roadways, the asphalt becomes compromised. Potholes are formed by water intrusion in the cracks of the asphalt. As a result, the material laid underneath the road softens causing weak spots to collapse under the weight of constant traffic.
AAA cautions drivers to remain alert to avoid pothole damage and urges state and local governments to fully fund and prioritize road maintenance to reduce vehicle damage, repair costs and driver frustration.
AAA testifies in favor of retaining Helmet Law
February 14, 2016
Knoxville, TN – On Tuesday, the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee is expected to vote on House Bill 700 by Representative Jay Reedy (R-Erin) which would drastically weaken Tennessee’s motorcycle helmet law and undoubtedly increase deaths, traumatic brain injury and medical costs in the state.
The proposed bill would allow riders 21 years and older not insured with TennCare, to ride without a helmet. Tennessee’s current law requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet, regardless of age or experience of the rider.
Motorcycle crash victim urges lawmakers to maintain helmet bill.
AAA lists Top-Rated Restaurants in Tennessee
February 7, 2016
Leading-edge restaurants impress knowledgeable guests with innovative menus and enticing surroundings
Knoxville, TN – Throughout the U.S., Canada and Caribbean, only two percent of restaurants are awarded the AAA/CAA Four Diamond Rating for 2016. However, four of them can be found in Tennessee.
“These restaurants take great pride in attaining the Four Diamond Rating,” said Don Lindsey, Tennessee Public Affairs Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Tennesseans and tourists who dine at Four Diamond restaurants can expect personalized service, enhanced guest comfort and memorable experiences.”
AAA says most Motorists are not prepared for Winter Weather
February 17, 2015
3 out of 5 People Don’t have Winter Driving Kits in their Vehicles
Tampa, FL – Extremely cold weather is moving across the southeastern U.S. and AAA warns motorists to be careful and make sure their vehicles are prepared for an emergency.
According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.
Caution is urged when driving on snow and sleet covered roads.
