In the Spotlight

When Dave Davidson joined AAA, he was asked if he’d like to save on insurance. He declined because his current policy was not up for renewal. But after a few months and issues concerning customer service, Davidson re-thought that decision.

“I should have switched a long time ago,” he said. “Those commercials saying you’re in goods hands are junk. You’re not in good hands unless you’re with AAA.”

In addition, Davidson praised AAA’s fast and friendly roadside assistance. When his van broke down, he said, “AAA was so helpful and responsive it was almost like I was talking to my brother or sister. It’s good to know someone’s on my side.”

For more about AAA’s “No Ducks, No Lizards” insurance plans, visit AAA.com/insurance.

Bejeweled by Blue Nile

Diamonds are considered a perfect gift and now AAA members enjoy sparkling savings at Blue Nile, with a 10 percent discount on fine jewelry and ring settings at AAA.com/bluenile. Blue Nile is the largest online retailer of fine jewelry and certified diamonds. Blue Nile offers high-quality diamonds and fine jewelry along with free shipping and a 30-day return program.

When you use our Build Your Own Diamond Jewelry™ feature, offer applies only to the setting for a ring, earring, or pendant. Offer is not valid for any loose diamonds or pre-set engagement rings. Offer is not valid for any gift certificate or polishing cloth purchase. You must have a valid AAA membership and reference code AAANA must be entered in cart or mentioned over phone at time of purchase. Offer may not be combined with any other offer, cannot be applied retroactively, and applies to US customers only. Void where prohibited. Offer expires 3 PM Eastern Time, December 31, 2008.

Moving Day Made Easier with Penske

If you want to be in charge of your move, Penske truck rental (10–12 percent AAA discount) will make it easier by offering a full line of boxes, packing supplies and accessories. Penske offers five different sturdy corrugated boxes and also sells bubble wrap, packing paper and tape to safely secure your belongings.

Penske can provide a sturdy, dual-purpose appliance/box dolly to load goods onto a truck lined with protective furniture pads. Loads can be tied down with Penske moving rope and a padlock can be rented for the back door of your rented truck.

In addition to the truck rental discount, all items are available at a 12 percent discount. To find the nearest Penske location, go to AAA.com/Penske or call 1-877-222-7924.

Open House: You’re Invited!

Has your child’s safety seat been recalled? Are your tires properly inflated? Is your family riding in a safe vehicle? Is your auto insurance up to date?

Find out during our Open Houses, sponsored by AAA Carolina’s Traffic Safety Foundation, at the following branches: May 2: Durham, 3909 University Drive, Durham, N.C. and June 20: Rocky Mount, 3607 Sunset Ave., Rocky Mount, N.C.

Events are from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Refreshments will be provided, services are free and no appointment is necessary. This event is open to the public.

A vehicle safety check includes inspection of tires, windshield wipers, lights, belts, hoses, and battery. A written evaluation is provided.

Professionally-certified AAA staff will inspect your child passenger safety seats and assist with proper installation.

Please bring your owner’s manual and the safety seat instruction manual.

This is a perfect opportunity to find out about current travel hot spots, plan your next vacation or get an evaluation of your current automobile insurance.

For information, please call (866) 741-6665.

AAA Mobile Expands

AAA Mobile is now available on the Blackberry 8130 (Pearl II) and 8830 Smartphones on the Sprint network. In addition to these, the Alltel Wave (LG AX-380) has been added.

With AAA Mobile, you can take advantage of the following features: increase your safety on the road with one button access to AAA member roadside assistance (AAA Mobile will transmit your GPS location data directly to AAA); get clear, audible turn-by-turn navigation with automatic rerouting; search for detailed AAA TourBook® travel guide information, Show Your Card & Save® merchant listings, Approved Auto Repair® locations and AAA branch offices (all based on the GPS location); display a map of your current location, including pan and zoom capabilities; and save addresses, recent search results and AAA listings. Learn more about AAA Mobile at AAA.com/aaamobile.

3 Ways to Drive Better

Got a Ticket?
If you have received a traffic ticket, AAA may be able to help. Ask the court if you are eligible to receive a reduced or dismissed citation by attending one of AAA’s Driver Improvement Program/Traffic Safety classes offered in Charlotte, Hillsborough and Pittsboro. Enroll online at AAAcarolinasdrivingschool.com or call (888) 274-4459.

Note: Enrollment is on a first-come, first served basis and subject to cancellation, upon notification, for any reason.

Driver Education Schools AAA Carolinas’ Approved Driving School Network certifies schools to teach first-time drivers. The following approved schools meet AAA Carolinas’ criteria:

Lord Ashley Driving School, Charleston,
S.C. (843) 824-2040; Baldwin

Driver Training, Columbia,
S.C. (803) 786-5230; Safe Driving

School, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
(843) 450-7233; Palmetto South

Driving School, Florence, S.C.
(843) 319-7725; and Anderson

Driving School, Asheville, N.C.
(828) 274-4442.

If your driving school is interested in joining the Approved Driving School Network, please call (888) 274-4459.

Interactive Learning
Roadwise Review is an interactive CDROM senior drivers can use to measure eight physical and mental abilities shown to be the strongest predictors of crash risk among older drivers. Cost: $6.45.

Driver-Zed is a DVD-ROM for new teen drivers. Users interactively navigate
through real-world scenarios helping them become safer drivers. Cost: $20.