Latest news with #TiffanyWright
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AAA gives drivers tips on how to stay safe for Memorial Day weekend
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — AAA is reminding drivers to inspect their cars before any travel this holiday weekend. About 39.4 million Americans go on road trips for Memorial Day and last year AAA helped more than 356,000 people with roadside emergencies. Flat tires, dead batteries and being locked out of a car were the most common things AAA was called for. 'As you finalize your travel plans, don't forget to check your vehicle's condition,' said Tiffany Wright, Public Affairs Director for AAA, The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. 'A simple pre-trip inspection of your tires, battery, brakes, and other essentials can prevent unexpected breakdowns.' AAA suggests that driver check their car's tires, brakes, batteries and fluids before going on their journey. If they experience any car trouble in spite of this they should safely get to the nearest exit and pull over as far as possible while turning on their hazard lights. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
1.3 million North Carolinians to travel for Memorial Day, expected to break 20-year record, AAA reports
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – It's set to be another record-breaking year for Memorial Day travel in the Carolinas. AAA predicts 1.3 million North Carolinians will travel at least 50 miles for Memorial Day this year, which marks an increase of nearly 50,000 compared to 2024. Nationwide, 45.1 million people are estimated to spend time away from home for the holiday weekend, and that's 1.4 million more domestic travelers than last year, according to AAA. This number would set a new Memorial Day weekend record that dates back to 2005, with 44 million people. Out of the 1.3 million projected travelers from North Carolina, 1.18 million are expected to drive, while over 114,000 will fly for the holiday, AAA reports. 'Despite economic uncertainty and global challenges, travel remains a priority for Americans, with millions eager to make memories with a Memorial Day getaway,' said Debbie Haas, the vice president of travel for AAA. 'Whether travelers are looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, there are budget-friendly options for every plan. From a short beach retreat to an extended cruise, working with a travel advisor can help uncover exclusive discounts and create a vacation that best meets your interests and needs.' In 2025, 87% of Memorial Day travelers nationally will take a road trip, and fortunately for drivers, a trip to the gas pump should be lower than last year, when the U.S. average of regular was $3.59 per gallon and $3.33 per gallon in North Carolina, according to AAA. Experts said gas prices have avoided the usual seasonal spikes so far this spring, primarily due to lower crude oil costs. 'As summer unofficially begins and travel demand picks up, there's a chance that pump prices will edge upward,' said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson for AAA in the Carolinas. 'Historically, gas prices tend to peak in the spring or summer before gradually easing as schools reopen in the fall.' Meanwhile, airports are bracing for another busy holiday weekend, with AAA predicting 3.61 million will take to the skies, an almost 2% increase from 2024 when 3.55 million air passengers. AAA reports this Memorial Day weekend isn't expected to set an air travel record, but this year's numbers are slated to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 12%. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
AAA urges drivers to use extra caution post-Daylight Saving Time
JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — With Daylight Saving Time approaching Sunday, Mar. 9, 2025, people will be losing an hour of sleep heading into work next week. Experts said this can create some serious problems for drivers. A 20-year study by the 'Current Biology' Team found out of more than 732,000 vehicle crashes, there was a 6 percent increase in fatal wrecks during the first week following Daylight Saving Time. AAA of the Carolinas urges drivers to use caution as many side effects can come from the loss of hour. 'The time change, it can really impact sleeping patterns, raises the risk for drowsy driving, and even if it's only a one-hour time difference, your body can still feel like it is in a mini jet lag,' Carolinas Public Affairs Director for AAA Tiffany Wright said. 'It is really important to practice safe driving behaviors, don't drive distracted, make sure you are getting plenty of rest and just be extra vigilant out there.' Wright said there are some warning signs to look out for when the time change first occurs as the impacts can last more than just a day. 'You might find yourself getting a little agitated behind the wheel, you might feel a little lethargic,' Wright said. 'All these are warning signs you need to pay attention too. It means you are not getting enough rest. These are some of the things and yes, these effects can linger on for a week or even more.' While there will be more daylight during Spring and Summer, it means mornings will be darker which can lead to problems on the road at school crossings or bus stops. 'It's important to be extra vigilant behind the wheel, especially around those school areas where you know children are going to be going to school at that time of day, and let's face it, it will be dark,' Wright said. 'It will be dark for them, so it's a good time to have a talk with your children to be extra mindful as they are walking to and from the bus stop.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
