AAA celebrates “50” with sweepstakes to Daytona 500 and Disney World Resort

The Daytona 500 will celebrate its 50th running in 2008.

Two of Florida’s top destinations are opening their doors to AAA members to celebrate two important milestones with a chance to win some incredible prizes.

AAA grew to 50 million members in 2007 and the legendary Daytona International Speedway will host the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in February 2008. To celebrate, members can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a AAA Vacations® package to the Walt Disney World Resort and the 2008 Daytona 500.

As the official motor club of Daytona International Speed-way, AAA is offering members a chance to be part of the party. The grand prize package includes airfare, accommodations, race tickets, theme park passes and spending money.

If the AAA #6 Ford Fusion wins the 2008 Daytona 500, the grand prize winner will receive an additional $50,000.
 
In addition to the grand prize, one first-place prize winner will receive a Magellan Maestro 4040 GPS unit, featuring all-new AAA travel information. Also, 48 lucky winners will receive runner-up prizes that are valued at $100 each.

To enter, visit online at AAA.com/Motorsports.

With 50 million members, AAA is the largest paid-membership organization in the country, exceeding other such respected organizations as the American Association of Retired Persons and the National Geographic Society.

Refer a member to win a Hawaiian trip

The Hawaiian islands are calling if you have a friend or family member to call who would be interested in a AAA membership.

In AAA’s “Member Get A Member Sweepstakes,” current members are invited to refer a friend or family member through three methods: complete an online entry form at AAA.com/Hawaii; visit your nearest branch office; or request an entry form by circling No. 5 on the Reader Service Card, found between pages 44 and 45 of the Sept/Oct printed AAA Traveler issue, and send it in.

All entries will be registered to win a five-night trip for two to Hawaii to enjoy the beauty of Maui. Other prizes include a Magellan GPS Unit, a four-piece Pathfinder luggage set and 50 AAA Replacement Batteries.

All sweepstakes entries must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2007. Enter as often as you wish, but each entry should include new referrals.

VIN Etch can deter theft

As a theft deterrent, the Club will offer window etching of your vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) this summer.

The cost for the service is $30 for AAA members and $40 for non-members, including six etchings per car. AAA offers discounts on insurance for VIN Etching.

Call 1-800-AAA-ROAD ext. 6821 for more information or to make appointments at least 24 hours in advance of the below dates. Please have your VIN number handy when calling to make your reservations.

View VIN-Etch dates and locations

Autumn roads present special hazards

With falling leaves and school bells, autumn brings with it a number of safety hazards to watch out for on the road, AAA reminds motorists.

The start of school means school buses will be out in force, so be particularly careful around them. In the presence of a school bus with an extended stop arm and flashing red lights, drivers must stop and remain stopped until the warnings are withdrawn, regardless of your direction of travel. The only exception is if the bus and car are on separated roadways.

During fall, wet leaves are slippery, so drive slowly through them. Also, rain, fog, sleet and wet snow may all be a part of the weather conditions, so adjust your speed accordingly. Be especially vigilant on bridges and overpasses, which ice over more quickly than roadways because the airflow under bridges does not allow them to retain their heat. And always increase your following distance during severe weather.

Common sense along with the basics of safe driving (always wearing a safety belt, driving sober, and driving at safe speeds) will help you travel safely this fall.