WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — As 61.6 million Americans travel this July 4th, AAA has tips to prioritize safety as you embark on your journey.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) says it responded to over 700,000 roadside emergencies last year, with common calls being flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.

“As you finalize your travel plans, don’t forget to check your vehicle’s condition,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “A simple pre-trip inspection of your tires, battery, brakes, and other essentials can prevent unexpected breakdowns.”

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AAA’s Tips to prevent road trip troubles:

• Check your tires – Properly inflate your tires, and don’t forget a spare tire.
• Inspect your brakes – Grinding noises or vibrations signal a need for service.
• Test your battery – If your engine starts slowly or the lights are dim, it may be time for a replacement. AAA members can get battery checks at a AAA Car Care, Approved Auto Repair Facility, or call AAA to request on-site service.
• Replace wiper blades – If your wipers streak, replace them.
• Top off fluids – check oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and power steering fluids.
• Replenish your emergency kit – Include essentials like a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, water, non-perishable snacks, jumper cables, emergency flares, and a basic tool kit.

What to do if you experience car trouble, according to AAA:

• Safely get to the nearest exit or stopping point.
• Pull over as far as possible to create distance from passing traffic.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Call for help via phone, website, or the AAA Mobile app.
• Stay with your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.
• If you exit, watch for traffic before moving to a safe location.

Safe driving reminders from AAA:

• Watch your speed – Speeding contributes to a third of all motor vehicle fatalities. Slow down and stay in control.
• Stay focused – Distracted driving kills thousands yearly. Avoid phone use, eating, or passenger distractions while driving.
• Don’t drive impaired – Alcohol and drugs compromise judgment, motor skills, and reaction time. If impaired, find a safe alternative.
• Stay alert – Fatigue is as dangerous as drunk driving. Take breaks every 100 miles or two hours to stay refreshed.
• Wear your seatbelt – Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce injury and save lives in a crash. Buckle up, every trip, every time.

AAA also reminds drivers to move over for roadside workers and stranded motorists.

“Our roadside technicians risk their lives to help stranded drivers,” Jenkins added. “If you see flashing lights, move over or slow down. This simple act can make all the difference in protecting those who work tirelessly to keep drivers safe.”

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