SPARTA, Ohio (October 15, 2015) – In an effort to ensure local teens’ vehicles are safe and ready for the winter months ahead Highland High School has invited AAA to inspect students’ vehicles for free. This is part of AAA Ohio Auto Club’s series of more than two dozen vehicle maintenance inspections at high schools throughout the state, and will take place in the midst of AAA Car Care Month and National Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 18-24).

When: Tuesday, October 20

Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (during student lunch periods)

Location: Highland High School parking lot, 1300 State Route 314, Sparta, Oh

Vehicle Maintenance Inspections:

Last winter AAA Ohio Auto Club responded to more than 169,000 calls for roadside assistance in its 38-county territory. Experts estimate that about 40-50 percent of these calls could have been prevented with routine maintenance. High school vehicle maintenance inspections are aimed at keeping the most at-risk drivers safe and on-the-go throughout the year.

During each inspection, AAA technicians identify potential problems with students’ vehicle belts, hoses, tires, lights, fluid levels and batteries. They also take the time to educate students on simple vehicle maintenance tasks, such as checking tire pressure. Then, technicians discuss any detected problems with the student and provide an inspection sheet to take home to parents.

Vehicle Maintenance Inspection History:

In 2014, AAA Ohio Auto Club inspected more than 1,100 vehicles throughout Ohio. Nearly 82 percent of vehicles had at least one fault. The most common issues were with vehicle lubricants, tires and lights.

Taking a Stand Against Distracted Driving:

A recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found distraction is a factor in nearly 60 percent of teen crashes. Cell phones are among the most common form of crash-causing distractions among teen drivers.

In an effort to help curb the incidence of teen cell phone distractions, AAA has teamed up with Ohio Singer-Songwriter, Gary Campbell and his friend Kenny McCoy to send a message that teens can ‘Save a Life Today simply by putting down their phone while driving.

Campbell’s song “Save a Life Today” will be playing as teens sign in for the vehicle inspection.

In addition, all vehicle inspection participants will receive a pocket card with the song lyrics and instructions for downloading the song on iTunes. Proceeds from the downloads will go to benefit the American Red Cross.

All participants will also be encouraged to sign a banner pledging to not text and drive. AAA will award the banner to the school at the end of the event, to hang as a reminder.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 55 million members with travel-, insurance-, financial- and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited online at AAA.com.

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School invites AAA to inspect students’ vehicles during National Teen Driver Safety Week