AAA calling in more crews, expecting increase in stranded drivers due to winter weather

QUEENSGATE, Ohio - AAA is expecting more stranded drivers this holiday season due to the wintry weather.

The company tells 9 On Your Side it expects call volume to increase by 30 percent Friday, so more crews were called in to start a few hours earlier than usual.

AAA is offering some tips to avoid getting stranded this holiday travel season.

The company says to follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, and make sure your vehicle is ready for the year-end holiday driving season.

Things to check on your vehicle include antifreeze, windshield wipers, washer fluid, the battery and tires.

An expected 3.4 million Ohioans will be traveling more than 50 miles from home this holiday season, according to AAA. The majority of them will be hitting the road.

The holiday travel season starts Dec 19 and runs through January 2.

For more information on how to prepare your vehicle before traveling, visit http:// www.travelviews.aaa.com /post/2012/12/20/ How-to-Avoid-Being-Stranded-this-Holiday-Season.aspx .