NORWALK, Conn., July 19, 2007 - While there may seem to be less traffic on the way to work during the summer, the "traffic" on the sidewalks, road shoulders and even in our driveways increases as children get a break from school and Americans go on vacation.

"With more than 52 percent of Americans (or roughly 157 million people) expected to travel this year on vacation, and more than three-quarters expected to travel by car, the lazy days of summer can be just as dangerous a time to drive as any other," said AutoVantage spokesperson Liz Allison "So while you take a break and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation, it's crucial to stay alert on the road."

Vice president of AutoVantage, Mike Wain, added, "It is not only important that we take care of our own cars and passengers during the summer, but we must also be aware of obstacles such as children, pedestrians and bikers that enjoy the roads in the warmer months."

Here are some tips to enjoy the most out of your car this summer - through the neighborhood, around town or on the highway - and some tips to make sure that everyone using our roadways stays safe.

• Get a tune-up. If you're heading on vacation, make sure your car is prepared to make the trip with you. Beyond just getting your oil changed, schedule a preventative maintenance check-up with your mechanic to check your cooling system, brakes, battery, belts, hoses and other fluids. And to save yourself a few dollars at the shop, here's a checklist you can do at home:




• Tires. Check the air pressure, tread depth and make sure you have a spare that is properly inflated.


• Wiper blades. Ensure that your wipers were not worn down by winter storms and are ready to perform for heavy summer rains. Wipers are easily purchased at your local auto parts store and in some cases, they'll install them for you.


• Lights. Check all interior and exterior lights on your car, including turn signals, emergency flashers and trailer lights if you're hauling.
  
  


• Use caution in your driveway. Watch for young children playing in your driveway - even if you don't have any. Neighborhoods in summer can be a dangerous place. It's important that all children are properly supervised, especially when playing outdoors. Teach your children not to play in or around vehicles and avoid making your driveway a playground area. As an extra precautionary step, roll down your window when backing out of your driveway and move very slowly. If you know a child is in the area, keep them in full view while exiting your driveway.
  
  


• Protect your young passengers. Ensure that the young people in your car are fastened safely in either a child seat or seatbelt, depending on age, height and weight. There are a variety of seats and belt-positioning devices to choose from. If you're trying to decide what is right for your child, the NHTSA and its affiliates have a wealth of helpful tips on their websites, including http://www.safercar.gov/BASCKids2005/index.htm. And when you get out of the car, never leave a child or pet inside during the summer. Even with the windows cracked, a closed car can overheat in a matter of minutes.


• Watch for motorcyclists. When operated properly and driven with appropriate safety gear, motorcycles are a great way to enjoy the warm summer months - and a great way to save money at the pump. But because of their smaller profile, it can be hard to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle. In 2005, one out of 10 of all U.S.  road fatalities involved motorcyclists. Some of these may be prevented by proper awareness on the roads. Be conscious of all vehicles around you and always check your blind spots before changing lanes. Always signal your intentions before changing lanes and allow more following distance, three of four seconds, when following a motorcyclist.


• Respect bike lanes and watch for pedestrians. Just as with motorcyclists, be sure and give plenty of room to bicyclists when passing them and to pedestrians using the road shoulders and sidewalks. Use extra precaution when in neighborhoods and watch for children at play.

Most importantly, in the summer and all year `round, remember it is our responsibility as motorists to share the road with all users. Keeping the roadways safe is ultimately your responsibility when you drive.

Liz Allison, a spokesperson for AutoVantage, is a NASCAR TV personality, radio host and best-selling author. She has served as a racing analyst for TNT, CNNSI., TNN, CNN, ESPN and ESPN2. Allison has appeared on NBC's "Today Show," CNN, Fox and Friends, ESPN, MSNBC, Fox News Weekend Live and the Speed Channel. She is host of the No. 1 NASCAR radio show in Nashville, called "The Drivers Zone," on WGFX-FM. Allison is also host and track announcer for the Nashville Superspeedway. She is the best-selling author of "The Girl's Guide to NASCAR" - and has written two sequels for Time Warner Books, the first to be released September 6, 2007. Allison has written three NASCAR Harlequin Romance novels, the first slated for November 2007 publication. She has penned articles for USA Today, NASCAR Scene, NASCAR Illustrated, NASCAR.com, MSN.com and FoxSports.com.

About AutoVantage

Members of AutoVantage (http://www.autovantage.com/ or 1-800-876-7787) can save from 5 to 20 percent on car care at some 19,000 service locations, including participating AAMCO, Jiffy Lube, Meineke and American Car Care Center locations. AutoVantage also offers 24-hour nationwide emergency towing, roadside assistance, and lockout protection from its network of more than 10,000 emergency roadside assistance providers. Trip routing for maps and door-to-door driving directions across the U.S. are also included. AutoVantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.

About Affinion Group

Affinion Group, www.affiniongroup.com, is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 5,200 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation which administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the United States and in 14 countries across Europe.

About Affinion Group
As a global leader with almost 40 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing loyalty solutions. Leveraging its expertise in customer engagement, product development and targeted marketing, Affinion provides programs in subscription-based lifestyle services, personal protection, insurance and other areas to help generate increased customer loyalty and significant incremental revenue for more than 5,550 marketing partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Stamford, Conn., the company has approximately 4,250 employees and markets in 17 countries globally. Affinion holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for the highest information security practices, is PCI compliant and Cybertrust certified.

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