March 2017

Surge in drunk driving could be coming this weekend

(March 15, 2017) DENVER — This year St. Patrick's Day falls on a Friday, and newly released data indicates the day of the week could generate a surge in binge drinking and drunk driving this coming weekend. The data, from Alcohol Monitoring Systems (AMS), shows that drinking violations by repeat drunk drivers ordered to stay sober are expected to jump 17 percent nationwide on Friday (March 17), compared to the average daily violation rate during the rest of the year.

Invest tax refund in auto care and earn valuable dividends

(March 15, 2015) BETHESDA, Md. — Although you may be thinking of ways to splurge with your tax refund, the Car Care Council recommends something more practical — invest some of that money in auto care and reap the financial benefits.

"According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average tax refund is over $3,100. By simply allocating a portion to vehicle maintenance and service, you will realize big dividends in the form of safety and dependability," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Gas prices show slow decline over last 10 days

(March 14, 2017)  After remaining relatively flat, the national average price for regular unleaded gasoline has now fallen for 10 straight days to today’s average of $2.30 per gallon. Today’s national average is one cent less than one week ago and two cents more than one month ago, according to AAA's weekly gasoline report.

Kelley Blue Book lists 10 best new-car deals for March

(March 14, 2017) IRVINE, Calif. — If the thought of spring has you itching for a new set of wheels, there are several standout new-car deals available in March, according to the experts from Kelley Blue Book kbb.com.  After examining the latest new-car data, KBB.com editors have assembled their list of the 10 best lease, financing and cash back deals for new vehicles available in March from a variety of automakers.

Top certified pre-owned deals for March, according to Autotrader

(March 9, 2017) ATLANTA — Looking for a slightly used vehicle in order to save thousands of dollars of off-the-lot depreciation involved with buying new? The editors at Autotrader may be of help. They have released their list of the best certified pre-owned (CPO) offers available for tMarch. For car buyers looking to head into spring with the purchase of a like-new vehicle, this could be the right time to upgrade.

Making car care easier — State Farm teams up with Openbay

(March 9, 2017) BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — State Farm has announced a strategic relationship with Openbay, an online marketplace for auto repair. Openbay provides a new way for vehicle owners to compare quotes for mechanical auto-repair and maintenance services and book an appointment online.

Americans feel unsafe sharing the road with fully self-driving cars

(March 8, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. — A new report from AAA reveals that the majority of U.S. drivers seek autonomous technologies in their next vehicle, but they continue to fear the fully self-driving car. Despite the prospect that autonomous vehicles will be safer, more efficient and more convenient than their human-driven counterparts, three-quarters of U.S.

GasBuddy data analysis reveals how consumers rate convenience stores

(March 7, 2017) BOSTON — GasBuddy has announced that it has launched a rating and reviews feature on its popular free mobile app. The new feature is available across GasBuddy’s network of hundreds of thousands of gas stations and convenience stores in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

AAA study: Road de-icers cause $3 billion annually in rust damage

(March 4, 2017) ORLANDO, Fla. — As the end of winter approaches, millions of Americans will face pricey vehicle repairs from rust damage caused by chemicals used to de-ice roadways. According to a new AAA survey, U.S. drivers paid an estimated $15.4 billion in rust repairs caused by de-icing methods over the last five years, or approximately $3 billion annually.

AAA responds to President's address to a joint session of Congress

(March 2, 2017) WASHINGTON, D.C. — AAA’s President and CEO, Marshall Doney, has issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s comments about infrastructure during his first address to a joint session of Congress.