NEWS from AAA South Dakota, June 1 2007 – With a little preparation, your next family car trip can be memorable, hassle-free and safe by following AAA’s “Six P’s.”

• Plan your trip. Before leaving home, find out where the construction zones are and choose the best routes to avoid delays. Make motel and hotel reservations in advance. Give your itinerary and phone numbers to a friend or neighbor.

• Pack for emergencies. Include a first aid kit for you and your family (remember your prescriptions) and a first aid kit for your vehicle: tools, paper towels, jumper cables, flash light, a “Send Help” banner, flares and a cellular telephone.

• Prepare the car. Get what we used to call a tune-up and check your tires, wiper blades, lights, belts, hoses and battery. Carry an extra container of motor oil.

• Put in essentials. Don’t forget duplicate car keys, maps, car registration, insurance agent’s phone number, insurance verification form, driver’s licenses and I-D’s for family members. At least for the rest of 2007, you can still drive to Mexico and Canada without a passport. It’s only those who fly who need one at this point.

• Pamper the kids. If your children are the right ages, assign duties such as navigator and entertainment chief. Extra maps come in handy for kids to chart your progress. Bring pillows, blankets, special toys, CD or DVD players, books, sunglasses and your imagination to dream up fun family games, like “I Spy” and the “License Plate Game.” Visit the library and check out old-time radio shows such as “Dragnet,” “Gunsmoke” (yes, both these shows originated on the radio), “The Fred Allen Show,” “Fibber McGee and Molly” and “Suspense.” Leave crayons at home – they tend to melt in the hot sun. Bring colored pencils, instead.

• Picnic. Save money by bringing a cooler, then stop along the way for cold cuts, bread and soft drinks for picnics in city parks. Remember to pack moist towelettes, napkins, eating utensils, trash bags, a can opener and a pocket knife.

Another great way to save money on the road is to eat your big meal at midday, taking advantage of less expensive lunchtime meal prices. And look for “early bird specials” at restaurants.

Arrange for friends or neighbors to pick up your mail and newspapers, mow your lawn and water your plants. Make your house look like you’re still there by investing in timers for lights and radios.

Use seat belts and child car restraints at all times. The safest place for children under 12 is in the back seat. Limit distractions in the car and drive defensively and refreshed.