Thursday, June 29, 2006

Dear Friends,

Is driving your best option for the Independence Day holiday? As you sit down and plan your travel, you must decide what mode of transportation is best to reach your destination.

As a general rule, driving will be a cheaper option for families than flying if the destination is less than 1,000 miles. If your family travels to destinations like Las Vegas, Albuquerque, San Diego or Disneyland, it might be easier on the wallet to drive. 

Deciding whether to fly or drive means choosing between a higher cost with less travel time in an airplane, or more travel time in a vehicle at a potentially lower cost. To help make the best choice, visit AAA Arizona's Fuel Cost Calculator at www.fuelcostcalculator.com. By simply entering information about your vehicle and your vacation, you can receive an estimated fuel cost and gallons used for your trip.

If driving is your best travel option, then you must also make sure it is a safe option by performing the necessary vehicle maintenance. Make sure your car's battery, cooling system, belts and hoses, and fluids are properly maintained and fully functional. Keep all tires properly inflated, including your spare tire. This check should be done every month, and especially before road trips.

Remember that your car's safety is not just about how well it runs, but also how well it is driven. Observe driving habits that will keep your family safe, and in turn will keep your car fuel-efficient. For safety, drive the speed limit, make sure everyone is buckled up and keep your attention focused on driving. For fuel efficiency, keep windows up, maintain a constant speed and avoid accelerating or decelerating quickly. 

Still deciding where to go for your family vacation? Consider saving driving time and explore Arizona. Northern Arizona is a cool escape from the heat and offers many attractions for tourists, especially this Independence Day weekend. Flagstaff, Prescott, Sedona, Williams and the Grand Canyon all have patriotic celebrations and activities planned over the weekend.  You will be surprised and delighted by the wonderful treasures found in northern Arizona and all around our great state.

Wherever your destination, I wish you happy travels and a safe Fourth of July.

As always, I encourage you to visit my Web page devoted to gasoline information at www.azgovernor.gov/fuelfacts. Please check the site often throughout the summer as we add fuel saving tips.

Yours very truly,


Janet Napolitano
Governor