After a long, cold winter, more daylight is a welcome sight across the Northeast. But as daylight saving time approaches, AAA Northeast is reminding drivers to catch up on rest before getting behind the wheel. The time change can impact sleep patterns, leading to an increased risk of drowsy driving.
More than 6,300 people in the U.S. died in suspected drowsy driving crashes in 2023 — 10 times more than the number of deaths reported in federal crash data, according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Research shows that official statistics on the prevalence of drowsy driving have long been underestimated, because it’s difficult for police officers to determine fatigue as the cause of a collision. Fatigue, unlike alcohol or drugs, leaves no physical evidence that can be tested.
While many drivers understand the dangers of drowsy driving, it still occurs too often. Most drivers (93%) in a recent AAA study said that driving while having a hard time keeping their eyes open was extremely or very dangerous, yet almost 20% of those respondents said they engaged in the behavior in the previous 30 days.
“Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving, depending on your level of fatigue,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “To ensure a safe commute as we adjust to the time change, it’s crucial to be well-rested and extra vigilant behind the wheel.”
AAA offers drivers the following tips as daylight saving time approaches:
Stay well-rested. Prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before driving and travel at times of the day when you’re normally awake. If you feel drowsy behind the wheel, pull over to a safe location, lock your doors and take a quick nap.
Travel with an alert passenger whenever possible. Drowsy driving crashes occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m. or in the late afternoon, when people experience dips in their circadian rhythm. These crashes often involve only a single driver with no passengers.
Ditch the distractions. Drowsy and distracted driving is a bad combination. AAA research shows that while the majority of drivers perceive reading on a cellphone as dangerous, nearly 37% reported engaging in the behavior in the previous 30 days. Put away your phone, turn it to airplane mode or activate the “do not disturb” feature.
Never drive impaired. Most drivers understand how dangerous driving after drinking is, yet 7% of drivers surveyed by AAA admitted to doing so in the previous 30 days. If you consume cannabis or alcohol, don’t drive. Avoid getting behind the wheel if you are taking medications that cause drowsiness or other impairments.
Buckle up. A properly worn seat belt is the most effective way to survive a crash. Buckle up before driving and tell your passengers to do the same.
State-specific data:
In Connecticut, from 2021 to 2025, there were more than 6,200 crashes involving an asleep or fatigued driver, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. Of those crashes, over 2,200 resulted in injuries and eight were fatal.
In Massachusetts, from 2021 to 2025, there were more than 8,400 crashes involving a drowsy driver, according to the Massachusetts IMPACT Crash Data Portal. Of those crashes, nearly 3,330 resulted in injuries and 29 were fatal.
In New Jersey, from 2021 to 2025, there were more than 11,800 crashes involving a drowsy driver, according to Numetric. Of those crashes, more than 3,000 resulted in injuries and 30 were fatal.
In New York, from 2021 to 2025, there were more than 14,000 crashes in which fatigue or drowsiness was a contributing factor, according to the New York Traffic Safety Statistical Repository. Of those crashes, more than 2,600 resulted in injuries and 12 were fatal.
For over a century, cars and automobiles have been seen as a stereotypically male pastime. But historically, that’s simply not the case. Women have been involved in transportation innovation since the invention of the wheel. In fact, many of the gadgets and gizmos in your car and on the road were first invented by women.
Women in automotive history often had big ideas and bad luck with patents. No matter how much they might have been overlooked in their time, their innovations shape the way we drive to this day. From the fabulously famous to the frequently forgotten, join us in celebrating these female automotive pioneers.
Bertha Benz (1849-1944)
Bertha Benz was the wife of engineer Karl Benz (of Mercedes-Benz fame) and she became his partner in business as well as in marriage. In 1886, Benz premiered the Benz-Patent Motorwagen, the world’s very first automobile. Two years later, Bertha Benz loaded her teenage sons into the Motorwagen and took a drive across their home country of Germany. This 66-mile drive was the first long-distance road trip ever.
Bertha’s aim had been to stir up publicity for the Motorwagen, and her plan worked. She was also able to troubleshoot some of the vehicle’s problems on her long ride. After the wooden brakes failed, she had them covered with the very first brake pads (which she called “break linings”) made of leather. Bertha Benz’s role as one of the most influential women in automotive history cannot be overstated.
Mary Anderson (1866-1953)
On a trolley ride in New York City, Mary Anderson noticed that during snow or rain, the front windows had to be opened so that the motorman could see. In addition to freezing the entire cabin, this had the result of soaking the driver from head to foot. Upon her return to her home in Birmingham, Ala., Anderson designed the very first windshield wiper. Anderson’s manual windshield wiper was a rubber blade, operated by a crank. Although Anderson’s wiper was effective, the wiper only became an automobile standard after her patent expired.
Charlotte Bridgwood (1861-1929)
Former vaudeville performer Charlotte Bridgwood (stage name “Lotta Lawrence”) was tired of manually wiping her windows when it rained. But as the president of a small manufacturing company, the Bridgwood Manufacturing Company of New York, she could do something about it.
Bridgwood engineered the first electronically-operated automatic windshield cleaners. The “Storm Windshield Cleaner,” as it was called, was patented in 1918. However, her patent expired years before automatic wipers became widespread.
Florence Lawrence (1886-1938)
Charlotte Bridgwood’s daughter, Florence Lawrence, inherited her mother’s knack for acting as well as her automotive ingenuity. Florence Lawrence is often said to be the “first movie star,” but she is also a star among women in automotive history. This silent-film star was a pioneer in visual cues that we use to this day: turn signals. Lawrence was an avid motorist, describing her beloved car as “almost human.” It is said that she even did all of the vehicle’s mechanical upkeep herself.
Soon enough, Lawrence started customizing her ride. The most important customizations were her invention of turn and braking signals. Her turn signals were flags that would flare out of the car’s bumper at the push of a button. Her brake signal was an actual sign that said “STOP,” which popped up when the brake pedal was pressed. Lawrence never patented these ideas, but they went on to shape traffic safety forever.
Emily Post (1872-1960)
Often remembered as the matriarch of manners, Emily Post was also an active motorist. In fact, she was one of the first female auto journalists. In 1916, Post published a book called “By Motor to the Golden Gate,” about her cross-country road trip from New York City to San Francisco. In her 1922 book, “Etiquette,” Post tells women that they do not need a chaperone in the car. According to her, it’s perfectly proper for a woman to drive herself, or even to drive a male passenger.
In 1949, Post published “Motor Manners: The Bluebooklet of Traffic Etiquette,” all about the rules of the road. Although she opens “Motor Manners” with the alarming warning “Bad motor manners can all-too-often result in MURDER,” Post was one of the first writers to popularize the idea of a woman behind the wheel.
Dorothee Pullinger (1894-1986)
Dorothee Pullinger was the daughter of car designer Thomas Pullinger, and she dreamed of following in his footsteps. In 1914, she applied to join the Institution of Automobile Engineers, but was refused because she was a woman (she was finally accepted some years later as IAE’s first female member). Pullinger became the manager of Galloway Motors and championed the employment of local women, even going so far as to host an auto engineering college.
At Galloway, Pullinger oversaw the development of the sleek Galloway Car, billed as a car “by ladies, for those of their own sex.” Galloway Cars were proportioned for shorter drivers (and drivers in long skirts). Pullinger was also an enthusiastic race car driver, and she even won the Scottish Six Day Car Trials in 1924. She is a founding member of the Women’s Engineering Society.
Helene Rother (1908-1999)
Helene Rother was born in Germany, and she later moved to Paris, France to be a designer. In Paris, she became a successful designer of decorative hat pins. After the Nazis occupied France in 1940, Rother fled with her daughter, Ina, and eventually wound up in America in 1941. After a stint illustrating comics at Funnies Inc., Rother joined the interior styling staff at General Motors. She was one of the first women to work as an automotive designer.
After four years at GM, Rother opened her own industrial design studio. She designed cars that were easy to get in and out of, seats that could lean back and upholstery that could be easily cleaned. She had an eye for color and brought a European flair to whatever she designed. Today, the cars that Rother worked on are classics, prized by vintage car collectors.
Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000)
Hedy Lamarr was another famous actress who had a hand in automotive history. Thought she found fame and fortune in film, Lamarr had a knack for invention and applied science. She drew up plans for an improved traffic stoplight, concocted a dissolving fizzy drink tablet and even gave Howard Hughes notes on the designs of his airplanes. But Hedy Lamarr’s most important scientific achievement was her use of frequency-hopping signals.
Lamarr conceived of frequency-hopping signals as a way to conceal the path of Allied torpedoes from the Germans in WWII. Though frequency-hopping signals would not be used by the Navy until 1962, Lamarr’s invention had a lasting impact. Her advances in communication technology led to today’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and, perhaps most important to modern vehicles, GPS. Without Hedy Lamarr, we would literally be lost.
Mimi Vandermolen (1946)
Mimi Vandermolen joined Ford Motor Company’s Design Studio in 1970, but was laid off in 1974 during the oil crisis. That didn’t stop her. Vandermolen returned to Ford in 1977, and was promoted to Design Specialist in 1979. She led the interior design of the game-changing Ford Taurus, which included innovations such as ergonomic seats, rotary dials for climate control, a digital instrument panel and a complete suite of dashboard controls within the driver’s reach. The interior of your own car was most likely inspired by her Taurus design.
Vandermolen also supervised the design of the second generation 1993 Ford Probe. She favored streamlined design and focused on the experience of women drivers as a point of pride.
Women have long shaped the automotive world, from pioneering road trips to advancing safety and design. Their contributions continue to inspire drivers, engineers and innovators today.
The dreaded pothole has plagued drivers for seemingly as long as paved roads have existed. And if you are driving around the Northeast, you are guaranteed to encounter more than your fair share. Pothole season usually starts around March, but winters with heavy rainfall and extreme temperature dips can bring them on even sooner. Unfortunately, some potholes — and pothole damage — are unavoidable, but there are ways to protect your car.
How Do Potholes Form?
Potholes are created when groundwater seeps into the ground underneath the pavement. If the water freezes, it will expand, causing the pavement to expand, bend and crack. When the ice melts, gaps or voids are left in the surface under the pavement. As this process is repeated, the pavement continues to weaken.
When cars begin to drive over this weakened surface, the weight continues to break down the pavement to the point where pieces of the roadway will come loose and be displaced. Once this happens, you have a pothole.
“In addition,” said AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul, “the pothole can fill with water again, refreeze and break off more asphalt and the pothole becomes a car-eating crater.”
Because potholes are dependent on water freezing, they often form during the winter, but it usually isn’t until all the ice and snow recede from the roadways that they become noticeable and start to wreak havoc.
An Expensive Nuisance
Driving into a pothole is not only jolting, but it can also be costly. A 2023 AAA survey found that the number of drivers who sustained vehicle damage from a pothole requiring a repair soared 57% from the previous year. In 2022, an estimated 44 million U.S. drivers were hit with pothole repair bills, up from 28 million in 2021. The average price tag was $406 per repair.
“When a vehicle hits a pothole with any kind of force, the tires, wheels and suspension get the brunt of the impact and fixing any of those items is pricey,” said Mary Maguire, vice president of public government affairs for AAA Northeast.
Tire Damage and More
The repercussions of driving over a pothole can be as minor as knocking a car out of alignment. This can usually be corrected with a trip to a repair shop.
In other cases, the damage can be much worse. Wheels and tires can become damaged to the extent that they are unusable. A pothole can puncture your tire and leave you with a flat and in need of roadside assistance. And it may not be just one tire — it could be both tires on the side of the vehicle where you encountered the pothole. It can also cause your rims to dent or bend.
Low-profile tires and lighter wheels on sporty vehicles are especially prone to being damaged, according to AAA.
Some damage is not as easily noticeable. Steering and suspension parts also can be damaged, causing severe handling issues and accelerated tire wear. If you hit a pothole and feel like something is a little off, you may still want to get your car checked by a professional mechanic.
“In what I would call the worst case,” Paul said, “part of the drivetrain (engine and transmission) can suffer enough damage that the component loses oil and fails completely, requiring a complete rebuild or replacement.”
So, does insurance cover pothole damage? If it is extensive enough, it may be covered by your car insurance. Reach out to your agent to ask. In addition, you could try submitting a claim with the municipality that is responsible for the roadway.
While potholes are a reality for many drivers, sustaining vehicle damage does not have to be. AAA recommends the following:
“The absolutely most important way to battle against potholes is to properly inflate tires,” Maguire said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that only 19% of consumers properly inflate their tires. Regularly check to ensure that your tire pressure is at the manufacturer’s recommended level, which can be found on a yellow sticker on the driver-side door jamb or in the owner’s manual.
You also want to make sure your tires aren’t overly or unevenly worn. To easily check the wear on your tread depth, insert a quarter into the tread groove with Washington’s head upside down; if you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven wearing of tires are all indications of a problem with the suspension, like alignment or shocks. If your vehicle pulls to the left or right, have the wheel alignment checked by a trusted mechanic.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
To fight back against potholes, drivers must keep ample distance between their car and the car in front of them and diligently scan the road, especially at night and during rainstorms, to identify potholes and react to them.
Standing water or puddles may disguise a deep pothole. Avoid driving through standing water, when possible, but if you can’t, drive through slowly and act as though there may be potholes hiding beneath the water.
There may be times when you cannot avoid hitting a pothole. In that case, safely reduce your speed as much as possible and avoid braking abruptly, particularly as you go over the pothole as this compresses your suspension and adds extra force to the tire. Striking a pothole at higher speeds increases the chance of severe damage including knocking the wheels out of alignment, affecting the steering, and bending or even breaking suspension components.
If you hit a pothole, pay attention to any new or unusual noises or vibrations. If you detect something is off with your vehicle, take it to a trusted repair facility for a full vehicle inspection as soon as possible.
Tell us your thoughts about potholes in the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
With gas prices on the rise, now is the perfect time to start thinking about ways you can save at the pump.
Besides getting into a few good gas-saving habits (here are 36 tips to get you started), many gas stations also offer discounts through their apps and rewards programs.
AAA members can take advantage of exclusive savings by signing up for the free Shell Fuel Rewards®.
Just for signing up, AAA members save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up. After that, members automatically receive ongoing Gold Status, which means they save 5 cents off per gallon on up to 20 gallons at participating Shell stations.
You’ve likely heard that building home equity is one of the major advantages of owning a home. But you may have questions about how it works, or if building home equity makes first-time homebuying worth it.
Find out what home equity is and why it’s important and learn achievable steps you can take to grow yours.
What Is Home Equity?
Home equity refers to the value of your home that you own free and clear.
Building your home equity refers to increasing the value or percentage of your home that you own, usually through paying off your mortgage.
How to Calculate Home Equity
You can calculate your home equity by subtracting your mortgage balance from your home’s current market value.
Home Equity = Appraised Value – Mortgage balance
Home Equity Percentage = (Home Equity/Appraised Value) x 100
For example, if the appraised value of your home is $450,000, and your mortgage balance is $100,000, your home equity is $350,000. In this instance, your home equity percentage is 78%, meaning you own 78% of your home outright.
The Benefits of Home Equity
Building home equity is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth and grow your net worth — all from the place you live.
Benefits of building home equity include:
Borrowing Against Your Home’s Value
Most lenders typically allow you to borrow up to 80% of your home’s value. So, once you have a home equity percentage greater than 20% you can start borrowing money against the value of your home with a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit.
With this, you can pay off existing debts and increase your creditworthiness — bringing positive ripple effects such as lower auto insurance rates and cheaper loans. The higher your home equity, the more money you’ll be able to take out against your home.
Even in a market that’s less favorable for the seller, with higher home equity, you’re more likely to be able to sell your home for a profit. You can reinvest this in your new property, increase your disposable income, or take steps toward achieving your long-term financial goals.
Building Long-Term Wealth
Though renting offers flexibility, it does not offer the same opportunities for reinvestment as homeownership. Unlike a car, property is one of the few significant purchases that typically does not depreciate.
Generally, your house will appreciate, helping you to build long-term wealth and increase your net worth. This is especially true if the market was in the buyer’s favor when you bought, and your property value has increased significantly over time.
With a higher network, you’ll enjoy more financial flexibility and greater accumulated wealth to leave behind to your loved ones.
Unfortunately, you can’t control the housing market — but there are plenty of steps you can take to help increase your home equity and accumulate wealth.
Make a Large Down Payment
The higher your down payment, the more of your home you’ll own outright and the greater your home equity. Remember, the percentage of your home financed by the bank does not contribute to home equity.
Avoid Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage insurance is an additional charge to your mortgage payments. Without these payments, you’ll be able to pay off your principal and build your home equity faster.
Shop for Low Interest Rates
Some mortgages offer lower interest rates than others. Shopping around can help you find the lowest rates.
Mortgages with terms shorter than the standard 30 years typically come with lower interest rates, helping you build equity more efficiently. Note that these types of loans typically come with higher monthly payments.
Increase Property Value
Renovations increase your property’s value, thereby increasing equity. Renovations with the highest return on investment include:
Kitchen and bathroom remodels.
Energy-efficient upgrades.
Usable living space, like a basement conversion or deck.
Minor home improvement projects — like sprucing up your landscaping or repainting bedrooms (known as sweat equity) — might not raise your home’s value outright, but can enhance its appeal and attract more buyers.
“There are very few home improvements that increase a home’s value dollar for dollar,” said Steven Vieira, director of mortgage operations and sales for AAA Northeast. “However, there are a lot of small projects a homeowner can do, like painting garage doors and power washing the exterior, that can make your home more desirable in a competitive market. It’s recommended, particularly in situations where the condition of the home may be below the standards of the neighborhood.”
Learn more about using a home equity loan for renovations.
Pay More on Your Mortgage
Initially, most mortgage payments go toward paying off the interest rates. After a time, payments go toward the principal and increase your home equity.
Contact your mortgage provider if you’re able to afford higher monthly payments or are in a position to make a large one-off payment toward your mortgage. The faster you pay off your mortgage, the faster you’ll grow your home equity.
The Long-Term Benefits of Home Ownership
Though the housing market fluctuates, property is one of the few investments you can make that helps you build your wealth over time.
Home ownership can feel like a big step, but investing in home equity helps you work toward your long-term financial goals, including:
Greater borrowing flexibility.
Increased financial freedom.
Ability to pay off debts and increase your credit score.
Secure lower interest rates on new loans.
“Home ownership is the primary driver of wealth for the middle class. A homeowner’s net worth is typically 43 times that of a renter over time, according to the National Association of Realtors. It’s also the primary driver of generational wealth,” said Vieira.
Going out to eat is fun, but picking a restaurant can sometimes be as difficult as making a meal yourself.
To help narrow down your choices, take a bite of AAA Dining Deals, a delicious new offering for our members. With Dining Deals, you can save on e-gift cards at over 39,000 restaurants across the country. From local favorites to national chains, this exclusive program can help you save up to 40% on your next meal.
How To Save With AAA Dining Deals
Start saving on your next meal by heading to AAA.com/DiningDeals, where you can browse a wide selection of discounted restaurant gift cards and dining vouchers. Explore offers, filter by cuisine, find restaurants near you and add your favorites to your cart. After checkout, your e-gift cards will be ready to save to your phone. Just show your barcode or QR code at the restaurant to use your discounted gift card and save on your meal.
What Restaurants Offer AAA Dining Deals?
Want to get a discounted gift card for your favorite restaurant or your local eatery? AAA Dining Deals features thousands of restaurants across the country for diners to choose from. Keep in mind that discounts vary by region. Here are some fan favorites.
Sink your teeth in at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, which serves USDA prime steaks prepared to perfection on 500-degree plates. Plus, you can enjoy award-winning wines, handcrafted cocktails, delicious desserts and world-class service.
If you’re feeling crabby, don’t worry! Just head to Joe’s Crab Shack, where you’ll find delicious foods from the sea and the shore. Here, seafood is so plentiful it’s served in buckets, on platters and in steampots. There’s nothing quite like cracking open a crab leg.
Whether you’re looking for a soup, salad, sandwich or sweet treat, Panera Bread is the place to go. Plus, their Unlimited Sip Club features unlimited coffee, hot teas, select iced teas, and fountain drinks. With AAA Dining Deals, new Sip Club members can get three months free.
Chili’s brings Tex-Mex-inspired flavors straight to your table in a casual dining format. From sharing chips and dip to stealing the show with a sizzling serving of fajitas, it’s the perfect venue for a chill night out. Plus, don’t forget those famous baby back ribs!
Touchdown! Buffalo Wild Wings combines the atmosphere of a sports bar with a crave-worthy rotation of chicken wings. Test your hot sauce tolerance, try a sweet and savory treat or opt for a little bit of both.
Immerse yourself in the world of music at the Hard Rock Cafe, where you can drink and dine in a rockin’ atmosphere filled with iconic music memorabilia and occasional live music performances.
Deep in the jungle, you’ll find the Rainforest Cafe, a land inhabited by tropical fish, gorillas, elephants and more. The jungle atmosphere of the Rainforest Cafe, complete with regular “thunderstorms” and rowdy animatronic animals, is great for families and kids looking for a mini adventure. And don’t forget to get some volcano cake!
Get breakfast for every meal of the day at IHOP, also known as the International House of Pancakes. Other than their creative pancake offerings, they also serve traditional diner fare.
Experience authentic Mexican street food, premium tequilas and colorful cocktails at Dos Caminos, which began as one of New York City’s original Mexican restaurants.
Can your favorite foods be found under the sea? Chart House is your spot for seafood, with restaurants situated along waterfronts and in other picturesque locales. Enjoy your meal paired with dazzling views and attentive service. It’s a catch.
Considering refinancing your mortgage? Before making a decision, homeowners should review the reasons for the refinance and what they hope to gain — whether it’s a lower rate, a shorter term or immediate cash.
“While homeowners can refinance at any time, most consider this option every five to seven years due to associated costs and the long-term benefits of a well-structured plan,” according to Steven Vieira, director of mortgage operations and sales for AAA Northeast.
Whether mortgage refinancing is worth it for you now depends on your current rate or term and how long you plan to be in the home.
“The higher your current rate is, the more savings you will find by refinancing,” Vieira said.
There are no restrictions on how often you can refinance if it makes financial sense each time you do it, according to Vieira.
The best times to consider refinancing your mortgage are when you want to lower your interest rate or monthly payments and when you need a considerable sum of money for home improvements, college education or debt consolidation.
Once you determine what you hope to achieve by refinancing, do a financial inventory. Check your credit score, income stability and current home equity. Most lenders require at least 20% equity remaining after the transaction.
Mortgage Refinancing Options
Refinancing can range from a straightforward rate-and-term refinance to more complex scenarios.
Rate-and-Term Refinance
The most basic approach to mortgage refinancing focuses on lowering the interest rate to generate monthly savings.
A straightforward way to evaluate this is by calculating the break-even point. To do this, divide the total closing costs by the monthly savings.
“For example,” Vieira said, “If closing costs are $3,750, and monthly savings are $75, the break-even point would be 50 months. After that period, the borrower begins to realize net savings.” So that would be: $3,750 ÷ $75 = $50.
Cash-Out Refinance
Transactions become more complicated when borrowers seek additional funds through a cash-out refinance. This type of transaction allows you to cash out a portion of the equity in your home by replacing your current mortgage with another, larger loan.
Common reasons for a cash-out refinance include debt consolidation, home improvements, buying out an ex-spouse or making accessibility upgrades.
“Often borrowers aim to achieve multiple goals in one transaction,” said Vieira. “This is where a licensed loan originator plays a critical role — conducting a thorough consultation, which typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes, to assess financial impacts and design a plan that aligns with the borrower’s objectives and budget.”
Home Equity Line of Credit
Another mortgage refinancing option is a home equity line of credit (HELOC), sometimes called a second mortgage. This involves borrowing against the value of your home. A lender approves a line of credit, and you make payments only on the amount of money you borrow.
“These can provide flexibility for expenses such as college tuition or phased home improvements,” Vieira said. “However, these options often carry higher interest rates and may involve adjustable terms, making careful evaluation essential to avoid overextending the household budget.”
A cash-out refinance is a one-loan solution that replaces your current mortgage and the cash you want to take out with one new, long‑term loan — usually at a fixed rate. While a HELOC is usually a shorter-term loan with an adjustable rate, for the first few years the lender is paying only the interest. That means the monthly payment goes up when the payment is recalculated to include interest and principal.
“The HELOC is a great loan for someone who understands the risk and can manage the higher cost by paying it off sooner than required,” Vieira said.
Steps to Refinance a Home
Once you decide to refinance and know how you are going to do it, Rocket Mortgage, one of the leading mortgage lenders in the U.S., suggests taking these steps.
Determine the effect on your monthly budget by projecting the new loan amount, including reviewing potential interest rates, closing costs and monthly payments.
Consult an expert. Arrange an appointment with a licensed mortgage loan originator, who can provide you with data about rates, terms, fees and payments. Find out if there are any limits on cash-out amounts or how the money is used.
When it’s time to submit your application, ensure you have all the required documentation, including proof of income, descriptions of your property, tax returns and your credit history. Also, be specific about the amount of cash you need. The lender will review all your financial information and verify the property value by setting up an appraisal to figure out the amount of home equity is available to you.
Pay the closing costs, if you didn’t roll them into the loan, and carefully look over the completed documents before signing them. Good luck with your new mortgage!
Pothole season is arriving early thanks to above-average snowfall blanketing the Northeast this winter. With plows pounding the roads and pavement cracking from recent freeze and thaw cycles, drivers are in for a bumpy ride before spring.
Potholes form when water penetrates the road surface through cracks and crevices. When that water freezes, it expands, breaking up the pavement, which then gets battered by vehicles. Typically, potholes rapidly multiply in mid- to late-March as winter turns to spring. This year, conditions are already prime for pothole formation due to major snowstorms followed by temperature swings above and below freezing.
Driving into a pothole can be costly: Potholes routinely cause major damage to wheels, tires and suspension components. Exceptionally large potholes can cause a vehicle to bottom out and result in severe damage to the undercarriage. Potholes can also contribute to crashes if drivers lose control after driving into one or swerve trying to avoid them.
An estimated 44 million U.S. drivers were hit with pothole repair bills in 2022, according to a recent AAA survey. In spring that year, AAA responded to 1.9 million tire-related roadside assistance calls across the U.S. — many stemming from pothole damage.
“Thanks to drastic swings in temperature, driver concerns are quickly shifting from roads covered in snow to roads loaded with potholes,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “While potholes might seem unavoidable at this time of year, you can decrease the odds of hitting one by driving and reacting appropriately.”
To avoid pothole damage:
Adjust your driving habits. Slow down and increase the space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to spot a pothole and react to avoid it.
Avoid driving into a puddle. Large puddles could hide deep potholes underneath the surface of the water.
Be extra alert on days following heavy rain. Rainwater can rush into cracks and grooves and lift broken segments of pavement.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, usually indicated on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Low-profile tires are increasingly popular, but they’re more vulnerable to blowouts and damage.
If you can’t avoid hitting a pothole, try the following:
Lift your foot off the gas and try to steer as straight as possible to prevent suspension damage. Slow down but avoid braking hard as you go over the pothole as that would compress your suspension and put extra force on tires.
Pay attention to new or unusual noises or vibrations after driving through a pothole. If something feels off, it could be a sign of damage. Take your vehicle to a trusted repair facility for a thorough inspection.
Report the pothole to local authorities and file a damage claim if applicable. In some jurisdictions, drivers may be entitled to reimbursement for pothole damage repairs, but typically only under specific circumstances.
There are a ton of tricks you can try to maximize your miles per gallon. Start with these gas saving tips.
Avoid buying gas when there’s a delivery truck at the station. Recent deliveries stir up sediment, which can clog your fuel filter.
AAA members can save at the pump with Shell. Learn more.
Annual tuneups and inspections are vital. Check your vehicle’s owners manual for recommended maintenance intervals and be sure to inspect suspension and chassis parts for possible misalignments. Problems such as bent wheels, axles, bad shocks and broken springs all create engine drag (and are unsafe when traveling at high speeds). Search for AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities near you.
Avoid overfilling your gas tank, which can cause spills and waste. Never fill the gas tank past the first “click” of the fuel nozzle.
After filling up, make sure the gas cap clicks three times. Improperly sealed gas caps allow fuel to vaporize and could even trigger your check engine light.
Track local gas prices with GasPrices.AAA.comand stay up to date on daily price changes.
Properly inflated tires are safer, last longer and can improve your gas mileage by more than 3%, according to the Department of Energy. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and compare it with the recommended pressure listed in your owners manual and on the placard in your car door. Inflate your tires as needed and be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time to check is early in the morning after your car has been idle overnight.
Save money with self-service whenever possible and choose to pay in cash if there is an extra charge to use a credit card.
Keep your eyes open to find good prices at the pump. You could even apply for a credit card, which offers gas savings when using the card for purchases. You can earn 3% cash back on gas with the AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card.
Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause aerodynamic drag, which consumes fuel.
Think ahead when approaching hills. Only accelerate before you reach the hill, not while you’re on it.
Slow down! Although vehicle reach their optimal fuel economy at different speeds, gas mileage usually decreases rapidly over 60 mph.
Both acceleration and deceleration waste fuel. Try to drive at a constant speed and avoid tailgating. The driver in front of you could be unpredictable, making you brake or speed up more than necessary. Plus, it’s dangerous.
Use cruise control when possible. The small, more precise adjustments made by the car’s cruise control system will keep your speed constant and save you fuel.
Even on cold mornings, avoid warming up your engine at idle. Today’s cars are designed to start and go, saving you gas.
If you have a manual transmission, don’t keep your left foot on the clutch pedal while driving. The slightest pressure puts mechanical drag on components, wearing them down prematurely.
Avoid driving along rough roads whenever possible. Dirt and gravel can cost you on gas mileage.
Use alternate roads when they prove to be safer, shorter and straighter. Corners, curves and lane jumping all require extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always a straight line.
Traffic lights are generally timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit, you increase your chances of getting more green lights throughout your trip. Pay attention to the lights on your daily commute and try to anticipate whether they’ll turn green or red by the time you get there.
Gas stations near major highways often charge more for gas because land is generally more valuable in these locations, increasing overhead costs. Those higher costs are passed on to consumers. Before a road trip, fill up at your local station. If you must fill up near the highway, try stations near state border lines, which tend to price their gasoline less aggressively.
Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire treads hurts your fuel economy.
Operating the air conditioner on the maximum level can reduce your mpg by 5% to 25%, compared to not using it. Try to park your car in the shade so you won’t have to keep the AC working as hard. Turn off the air conditioning five minutes before you reach your destination.
Remove excess weight from the trunk or inside of the car: extra tires, child seats, unnecessary heavy parts, etc. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.
On large sport-utility vehicles and minivans, one of the simplest gas saving tips is to remove unneeded third-row seating. Some third-row seats weigh over 100 pounds. This is extra weight your engine has to deal with, which can waste gas.
Carpools reduce travel monotony and gas expenses. They also reduce traffic congestion.
Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multi-purpose trip covering the same distance with a warm engine. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient.
Turn off your engine when your car is just sitting. Idling burns 1 gallon of gas per hour and will earn you zero mpg. You’ll not only save fuel, but you’ll also help the environment by not releasing more emissions from your car than absolutely necessary.
Wax your car and keep it clean. This will reduce aerodynamic drag, thus providing better mileage.
Walk between stops. Once you get into town, some of your stops may be near each other. Park between some or all of them and walk or park in the first spot you find. If you wander all over the parking lot looking for a really close parking space, you’ll use more gas.
Track your mileage in real time. You may know what your consumption looks like from tank-to-tank, but that’s really not enough. Knowing the mileage you’re getting in real time and comparing it to what you got yesterday is one of the most useful gas saving tips you can practice.
Run errands during off-peak traffic hours. These days, many offices offer more flexible hours, so errands can be run at almost any time. Avoid being stuck in traffic if all you have to do is leave 30 minutes earlier or come in 30 minutes later.
Try to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. The difference between 20 and 40 mpg can be big for your wallet.
Don’t use premium fuel if it’s not necessary. If your car specifies regular fuel, don’t buy premium under the mistaken belief that your engine will run better. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gasoline. Check your owners manual to find out what grade your car requires.
Use your garage. Parking there will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, so you don’t have to depend as much on your air conditioning when you drive.
Try to avoid traffic on busy days or times when it is raining, windy or barometric pressure is high. Rain and high barometric pressure create extra air drag that uses more fuel to create and maintain forward motion.
What are your favorite gas saving tips? Tell us in the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
If you’ve flown in the last decade, you probably already know the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for carry-on luggage. Some of the most well-known are no water bottles, no weapons and all liquids are subject to the 3-1-1 rule.
But what about the stuff you can bring? Some items may surprise you.
Bring This, Not That
❌ Bottle of water larger than 3.4 ounces
✅ Bottle of frozen water
Here’s one way to ensure your water is ice cold. Although a bottle of liquid water isn’t allowed past security, the same bottle of frozen water is. Make sure you time things right so that the water is fully frozen when presented for screening; if it is even slightly melted or slushy, it must adhere to the 3-1-1 liquid requirement.
❌ Weapons
✅ Antlers
Weapons like guns, arrows, Swiss army knives and swords must all be securely packed in checked luggage, but antlers — what might be consider a weapon, at least to a deer — won’t faze TSA. Before planning to take them through security, check with your airline to make sure they’ll fit in the overhead compartment or underneath your seat.
❌ Strike anywhere matches
✅ Lighters without fuel
Disposable lights and Zippos without fuel are allowed in checked bags, but strike anywhere matches will be confiscated. When it comes to electric lighters, the TSA website states that, “Measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation of the heating element while on board the aircraft. Examples of effective measures to prevent unintentional activation include, but are not limited to: removing the battery from the lighter; placing the lighter into a protective case; and/or using a protective cover, safety latch, or locking device on the lighter’s activation button.”
❌ A live chicken
✅ Fresh eggs
Sometimes you just need fresh eggs — and if you do, TSA is OK with that. Fresh eggs are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, but if you’re taking them through security make sure that they’re placed separately on the conveyor belt (like any other food item).
❌ Baseball bat
✅ Boxing gloves
Since baseball bats could be used as a weapon, they are not allowed through TSA. However, if your sport of choice is boxing, you’re in luck, as boxing gloves are fine to take on the plane.
Why bring a watered-down coffee anyway when you can brew a fresh one yourself? While any liquid more than 3.4 ounces is prohibited through TSA, you may take your own coffee/espresso maker in its place. As with all electronics, make sure all cords are wrapped carefully.
Since Magic 8 Balls contain more than the allowed 3.4 ounces of liquid inside, you won’t be able to take one through security. A Harry Potter wand, however, will get through no problem.
❌ Protein shake
✅ Blender
While you can’t bring your favorite protein shake or smoothie through security, you can bring along the blender you use to make it. The only caveat is that the blade should be removed, sheathed and placed in checked luggage.
❗ Aerosol deodorant
✅ Solid deodorant
Is deodorant considered a liquid to TSA? Aerosol or liquid deodorant isn’t exclusively banned from carry-on bags, but there are restrictions. Aerosol and liquid deodorant containers cannot exceed 70 ounces or 68 fluid ounces, respectively. Buttons and nozzles on aerosol cans should be protected by a cap or another method to prevent accidental release. It might be easier to just bring a solid stick.
Other Unexpected Carry-On Items
✅ Live lobster and fish
✅ Pies and cakes
✅ Plants
✅ Tattoo guns
✅ Light sabers
✅ Crampons
✅ Microwaves
✅ Cowboy spurs
If you want to get through TSA security quicker and more efficiently, enroll in TSA PreCheckthrough AAA.
This list was compiled from information on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website. The DHS did not write or endorse this article. Other countries may have different rules for permitted items. Travelers packing for international flights should take special precautions.
Which of these items surprised you the most? Tell us in the comments.
Seasonal Trends and Geopolitical Conflict Put Pressure on Gas Prices
Gasoline prices are climbing slightly across the Northeast on seasonal trends and new upward pressure on oil prices following escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Supply and demand data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) last week showed seasonal expectations taking hold: Gasoline demand is strengthening as winter draws to a close, and gasoline output is declining as refiners conduct maintenance before the busy summer driving season. Domestic refiners operated at their lowest capacity since October with output falling by 223,000 barrels a day, according to the EIA. Demand settled at 8.73 million barrels a day — a slight decline of 16,000 barrels a day from the prior week, but well above the comparable weeks of 2024 and 2025.
Oil prices, meanwhile, reached levels not seen in more than a year after weekend bomb strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel. While it’s too soon to determine the long-term impact of the conflict on local gasoline prices, higher global oil prices and the disruption of seaborne cargos through the region are causing immediate price hikes to ripple through global petroleum markets.
“Even before the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, gasoline prices were poised to begin climbing on seasonal expectations of increased demand and higher production costs,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “When markets react to geopolitical conflict, rising oil prices put upward pressure on gas prices, but time will tell how large the impact will be at the pump.”
AAA’s March 2 survey of fuel prices found the national average up 6 cents from the prior week ($2.93), averaging $2.99 per gallon. The March 2 national average price was 12 cents higher than the previous month ($2.87) and 10 cents lower than March 2, 2025 ($3.09).
Region
Current Price*
One Week Ago
One Month Ago
One Year Ago
Connecticut
$2.92
$2.90
$2.87
$3.06
Massachusetts
$2.91
$2.90
$2.90
$3.01
New Jersey
$2.91
$2.92
$2.86
$3
New York
$3
$2.99
$2.98
$3.15
Rhode Island
$2.90
$2.86
$2.86
$2.98
*Prices as of March 2, 2026
As of March 2, Oklahoma and Mississippi had the lowest prices in the nation at $2.47 and $2.54, respectively. California and Hawaii had the highest prices at $4.65 and $4.38, respectively.
The AAA Gas Prices website is your resource for up-to-date fuel price information. Search for average gas prices on national, state and metro levels by regular, plus, premium and diesel.
From defective airbags to overheating batteries, millions of Americans drive each day in cars with open safety recalls that, if ignored, could have fatal consequences. In 2024 alone, there were 1,073 vehicle safety recalls affecting more than 29 million vehicles in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For Vehicle Safety Recalls Week (March 2 – 8), AAA is reminding drivers that safe cars save lives and urging all vehicle owners to check for open safety recalls. It’s also a good time to check related equipment, like tires and child car seats, for open recalls.
It’s easy to determine if your vehicle has an open recall:
Enter your VIN and registration card number. The VIN is located on the driver’s side corner of the windshield.
You can also enter vehicle equipment like trailers, tires and car seats into the SaferCar app.
If you discover an open recall for your vehicle or vehicle equipment, contact a dealership and schedule a repair as soon as possible. All safety recalls are performed at no cost to the owner.
The millions of recalls that go unrepaired can compromise safety. For example, the NHTSA reports that tens of millions of defective Takata airbags — responsible for 28 confirmed deaths nationwide — are still under recall in the United States. In 2025, there were 891 recalls affecting more than 29 million vehicles, according to a AAA Northeast analysis of NHTSA recall data. Of those, 16 recalls were dangerous enough for the NHTSA to issue “Do Not Drive” advisories for 48,371 potentially affected vehicles.
“Components like airbags, steering systems, brakes, fuel systems, sensors and wiring can prompt vehicle recalls, posing a serious safety risk,” said Jillian Young, director of public affairs for AAA Northeast. “Addressing vehicle recalls as quickly as possible can help drivers keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely, and, most importantly, save lives. Drivers should check their vehicles for open recalls at least twice a year.”
The NHTSA is also issuing a new, urgent warning to drivers of cars that had previously been involved in a crash in which the airbag deployed. Nine people have died and two others have been seriously injured in 11 crashes where the vehicle had an airbag replaced with a substandard and dangerous airbag inflator manufactured in China. According to the NHTSA, the airbags were likely illegally imported into the United States; fatalities occurred when the airbag inflators malfunctioned and ruptured, sending large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, eyes and faces.
Alarmingly, these dangerous airbags will not show up by checking the VIN for open safety recalls. The following vehicle owners are at risk:
Owners of vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles.
Owners of vehicles that were in a previous crash where airbags deployed.
Owners of used cars with unknown history.
The NHTSA is urging these owners to look at their vehicle history report for evidence of a previous crash or “total loss event,” prior airbag deployments, a salvage title or repairs performed at non-certified service centers. Visit NHTSA.gov for more information and resources.
There's never a bad time to go to Walt Disney World, but better weather, smaller crowds and special events help some months stand out more than others.
When planning Disney vacations, the first question that many people ask is, “What’s the best time of year to go to Disney World?” The answer is different for every family. Are you looking for lesser crowds? Cooler weather?
I am a former Disney cast member, and I used to live right in Disney World’s backyard. From my apartment, I could hear the Magic Kingdom fireworks. And like any local, I detested waiting on lines longer than 15 minutes. I have seen every season at Walt Disney World, but which ones stand out?
I’ve found that the best time to go to Disney World boils down to if it’s your first visit, what you and your family want out of your vacation, what events are important to you and how much you are willing or able to spend.
January
January is an easy and breezy month in Walt Disney World. There are still a few Christmas decorations left over, but who can complain about tinsel? Once the New Year’s Eve crowd filters out after beginning of the month, the parks are much more manageable. Take this opportunity to get on Avatar Flight of Passage in Animal Kingdom. Just remember to wear layers! The temperatures are wonky this month.
February
The beginning of February is mild in terms of crowds (and weather). In the middle of the month you’ll see a bump in crowds, because many schools in the Northeast take a week off of school for February break.
March
March is a month of moderate crowds. The sun is coming out again, and it’s the best weather Florida has to offer, but the end of March is when spring breakers start to arrive. Epcot’s Flower and Garden festival begins this month.
Beware spring break. The parks will be full of families and college kids alike, trying to enjoy the season. I would avoid any holidays at the park, including Easter, if you could. The crowds are just too difficult to navigate.
May
Other than Memorial Day weekend, which is notorious for heavy crowds, May is a more moderate month. The weather is getting a little hotter, but it’s bearable.
June
Moderate to heavy crowds, and hot, hot weather. To make the most out of your June vacation, go to the parks in the mornings and evenings. Use the afternoon for a swim in the pool or a well-deserved siesta.
July
The Fourth of July Fireworks in the Magic Kingdom are incredible, but that means that the park is jam-packed with people trying to see them. Folks camp out in front of Cinderella Castle as soon as the park opens just to get a good view. It’s a hot and crowded month.
August
The crowds in this month go from heavy to moderate, because August is perhaps the hottest month in Disney World. Be prepared to actually watch the Country Bear Jamboree for the sake of some air conditioning. The humidity and heat make it very uncomfortable, so even though the crowd level is going down, it might not be worth it.
September
Even though it’s still hot, September is a more peaceful month. The majority of children have gone back to school, and the parks empty out. The Food and Wine Festival at Epcot is usually going on at this time and is not to be missed. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party also starts in late August and picks up in September. It’s a great night for the whole family. Frequent rains come and go during this season, so remember to bring a poncho.
October
October is perhaps the best time of year to go to Disney World. The crowds are moderate, but the weather is gorgeous. The Food and Wine Festival is still going on all throughout this month, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is hitting its stride. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary is a popular party, where guests of all ages can arrive in costume and trick-or-treat around the park. You can meet rare characters, get on rides with no wait time and even see the Sanderson sisters from “Hocus Pocus.” If you can go any time of the year, early to mid-October are some of the best weeks to go to Disney World. It’s a sweet spot. Just remember to get your Not-So-Scary tickets early!
Early to mid-November has pretty low crowd levels, and the weather is very mild. Many rides become walk-ons during this time. Thanksgiving week and the weekend after are very crowded, however, because most people get off for work and school at that time. This is a good month to sneak in some early Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas parties.
December
This month is complicated. Very early December sees moderate crowds, and the rest of the month slowly builds and builds. The pressure comes to a head during the last two weeks of December – Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the busiest times at Disney ever. The parks can be fun at Christmastime. That’s true. The decorations are beautiful. The festivities are beyond compare. But it’s difficult to enjoy when you have less wiggle room than a sardine. If you must go during December, go early in the month.
Save on Walt Disney World park tickets with AAA Tickets.
What’s the best time of year to go to Disney World for you? Let us know in the comments below.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
It’s easy to see why any baseball historian would cherish a day at Fenway Park. Opened in April 1912, it’s the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, rich in iconic features from the Green Monster in left field to Pesky’s Pole in right. If you’ve never visited before, or it’s been a while, our Fenway Park stadium guide will help you make the most of your time in Boston this season.
Buying Tickets
Tickets are available online or at the stadium’s box office (open on game days two hours prior to game time until two hours after). You can also take advantage of special AAA member discounts on MLB games with AAA Tickets.
Green Monster seats provide unique views from atop the famous 37-foot tall left field wall. Keep an eye on the park’s website for availability. You can also call 877-REDSOX-9.
If you don’t have tickets in advance, a limited number of game day tickets might be available. These tickets are sold at Gate E, 90 minutes before the game, but fans can get in line as early as five hours ahead of time. Those who purchase game day tickets must enter the park immediately.
Getting to Fenway Park
Getting around Boston can be challenging, so you’ll definitely want to give yourself extra time to get to the ballpark. Don’t worry about being too early; there’s plenty to do, as we’ve outlined below.
Brave souls who decide on driving to the stadium need to keep an eye out for one of several garages and parking lots in the area. You might find somewhere for less than $30, though you should expect the majority of options to be pricier. Advance online parking purchases are certainly worth looking into.
Riding the T – Boston’s subway system – is one of the most popular and least expensive ways to get to Fenway. The Green Line’s Kenmore Square and Fenway Park stations are just a short walk from the stadium. If you’re coming from outside the city, the MBTA’s commuter rails are a good bet. See the MBTA’s website for details.
You will not go hungry inside Fenway Park. After you have an obligatory Fenway Frank, everything from Italian sausage sandwiches to popcorn to Cracker Jack is just a quick between-inning stroll away. You can even get in the local spirit with options like lobster rolls and New England clam chowder.
Things are just as tasty outside the stadium, too. Restaurants and bars abound in the blocks around Fenway Park, offering plenty of opportunities to put down some seriously delicious grub. Cask’n Flagon is probably the area’s most well-known restaurant and bar. Located across the street from the stadium, it’s an incredibly popular spot before and during games, with fans often joining in raucous celebrations that echo into the street. You’ll find pizza, barbecue, steaks, sandwiches, pasta and burgers on the menu. The House of Blues is one of the best places in Boston to catch live music, be it pop, rock, metal, hip-hop, or, well, blues. It’s also a great place to eat. The restaurant and bar open at 4 p.m. on show nights, two hours before day games and three hours before night games.
(Photo: Marcio Jose Bastos Silva / Shutterstock)
Things to Do Before and After the Game
As if a day at the ballpark wasn’t awesome enough, a trip to Fenway Park can easily be combined with other activities to make for an unforgettable experience.
60-minute guided tours are available year-round. On game days, tours are available three hours before games. These trips include a stop on the field’s warning track and a visit to the top of the Green Monster.
If you’re visiting more than three hours before or after a Red Sox game, spend some time on Jersey Street. It’s open only to ticket-holders (another reason to buy in advance) and pre-game festivities can include live music, a stilt walker and a juggler, among other fun happenings. Here you can also swing by the official team store to pick up some Red Sox merchandise and apparel.
Don’t leave town without snapping a selfie at the Teammates statue near Gate B at the corner of Ipswich and Van Ness streets. It depicts former players Dom DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky, Bobby Doerr and Ted Williams.
Beyond Baseball
Of course, like most major metropolitan areas, baseball isn’t the only thing going on in Boston. If you’ve tagged along to a game to humor a significant other, or simply to check an item off your travel bucket list, Beantown is loaded with other attractions.
Two of the closest to Fenway Park illustrate the city’s diversity. Lucky Strike, on the third floor of Jillian’s Boston, offers bowling and billiards in a surprisingly stylish setting. The fun is 21-plus after 8 p.m.
For a complete change of pace, the world-class Museum of Fine Arts is about a 15-minute walk from the stadium. It’s the fourth-largest museum in the U.S., with 500,000 works spanning the globe and thousands of years of history.
Extras
Download the MLB Ballpark app before your visit. It’s an essential companion when visiting your favorite Major League Baseball ballparks. It perfectly complements and personalizes the trip with mobile check-in, social media, offers, rewards and exclusive content. Select MLB ballparks allow you to experience upgrade components and also offer mobile food ordering.
For helpful tips and recommendations on things to see, do and eat in and around all three Northeast Major League Baseball stadiums, be sure to check out our full Northeast Baseball Guide.
What are your favorite things to do in and around Fenway Park? Tell us in the comments.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a diehard fan, our Yankee Stadium guide has you covered if you plan on seeing baseball in the Bronx this year. We show you the most practical ways to get to the stadium, how to find cheap tickets, tell you about the ballpark’s must-see features and give you a rundown of the local eateries and attractions to visit before or after the game.
Buying Tickets
There are several reputable ways to get Yankees tickets, including the official MLB website or the stadium’s box office (open on game days until the 7th inning and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday on non-game days). You can also take advantage of special AAA member discounts on MLB games with AAA Tickets.
Tip: Typically, the best deals on tickets are upper-level grandstand seats. Choose ones as close as possible to home plate. This interactive seating chart guide shows you the best seats in the house and how much they cost. In general, the sooner you get your tickets, the better.
Getting to Yankee Stadium
Driving
The stadium highly recommends using mass transit to avoid traffic congestion and parking fees. If you must drive, give yourself extra time. The Yankees’ website has directions to the stadium from the other boroughs, Long Island, Westchester County and New Jersey. Parking lots and garages line the streets leading up to the stadium.
Walking
On a nice day, save a few bucks and park across the Harlem River near 155th Street Manhattan. The Macombs Dam Bridge spans the river and has a pedestrian walkway that you can traverse, dropping you off on 161st Street where the stadium is located.
Public Transportation
The 4, B and D trains make stops at 161st Street-Yankee Stadium and a trip from midtown Manhattan takes approximately 25 minutes. Note that the B and D only stop there at certain times of the day.
If you’re coming from outside of New York City, take the Long Island Railroad or MTA Metro-North Railroad and transfer to a subway. If riding the LIRR to Penn Station, walk one block east to the 34th Street-Herald Square subway station, where you can pick up the B or D train to the 161st Street-Yankee Stadium stop; the ride takes approximately 35 minutes. Metro-North’s Hudson line goes directly to Yankees-E 153rd Street station from Grand Central Terminal in approximately 15 minutes.
The MTA has detailed information on all public transportation options, including extra Metro-North shuttle trains and direct stops on game days and buses.
Hire a Car
Why not hire a driving service to take you to and from the stadium? This will guarantee you a relaxed and stress-free trip.
The stadium has a wide selection of food vendors to satisfy your hunger beyond just hot dogs and fries. Spice things up with Harlem’s own fried hot bird sandwich from Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird stand in section 112, try a sushi burrito at Benihana in section 127 or stick with a classic hand-carved steak sandwich from Lobel’s of New York in section 134. Need something sweet? The shakes found in sections 112, 125 and 324 are hard to resist.
For a casual sit-down meal before the game, the Hard Rock Cafe is accessible from outside the stadium (ticket required). And if you really want to spoil yourself, leave a few innings early and watch the rest of the game on the TVs at NYY Steakhouse. Among the most indulgent options on the menu of dry-aged steaks and seafood, the tender 27-ounce long bone rib-eye steak arrives Instagram-ready with your name carved into the bone.
The new Yankee Stadium opened its doors at the beginning of the 2009 season as a replacement for the original stadium, which operated from 1923 to 2008. The new ballpark was constructed across the street, northeast of the old location.
Memorabilia from the team’s history lives on in the New York Yankees Museum, free with a valid game day ticket. Highlights include a ball wall featuring hundreds of baseballs autographed by past and present Yankees, a showcase of World Series rings and an exhibit honoring George Steinbrenner. Located on the main level adjacent to Section 210, the museum is open 90 minutes before the first pitch through the end of the 8th inning.
Make sure to spend some time in Monument Park, an open-air museum that contains a collection of monuments, plaques and retired numbers honoring players, including Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.
Keep in mind that both of these attractions get crowded on game days.
Extras
Download the MLB Ballpark app before your visit. It’s an essential companion when visiting your favorite Major League Baseball ballparks. It complements and personalizes the trip with mobile check-in, social media, offers, rewards and exclusive content. Select MLB ballparks also offer mobile food ordering and seat and experience upgrade components.
For helpful tips and recommendations on things to see, do and eat in and around all three Northeast Major League Baseball stadiums, be sure to check out our full Northeast Baseball Guide.
What are your favorite things to do in and around Yankee Stadium? Tell us in the comments.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
Mets games are one of the hottest attractions in New York City. Check out our Citi Field stadium guide for the best ways to get there, plus what to eat before, during and after the game.
Buying Tickets
You can buy Mets tickets from the official MLB website or at the stadium’s box office (open on game days until the 7th inning and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday on non-game days). You can also take advantage of special AAA member discounts on MLB games with AAA Tickets.
Check the 3D seating map of the stadium to see what the view looks like from every section.
If you plan on driving, the Mets website provides directions on how to get to Citi Field from other boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut and New Jersey.
If you are taking public transportation, the MTA has all the details on getting to the stadium via bus or train.
And if you prefer two wheels, did you know that you could also bike to Citi Field? There are 11 bicycle parking racks surrounding the stadium where you can safely park.
Citi Field Stadium Parking
Citi Field has lots of on-site and remote parking available. Note that only credit, debit and mobile payment (Apple Pay or Google Pay) are accepted to pay for parking.
Most of the lots open three hours prior to the game, so feel free to bring a few coolers, set up a grill and tailgate.
AAA Northeast provides free emergency services to stranded motorists in Citi Field parking areas. These services are available to all guests and include recharging drained batteries, changing flat tires and being towed to affiliated AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. The club truck and driver will be on the premises for all home games from the seventh inning until one hour after the completion of the game.
Get more information on parking lot locations, rates, Access-A-Ride services and more.
Concessions and Restaurants at Citi Field
Ever since opening in 2009, Citi Field has been known as a top baseball stadium food destination. It’s even been voted among the Best Baseball Stadium Food by USA Today readers for three consecutive years since 2023.
The Centerfield Promenade has fantastic dining options, including The Pizza Cupcake (which is exactly how it sounds), Dole Whip and Shake Shack.
If you’re hungry and willing to splurge a bit, you might want to spring for the Pat LaFrieda filet mignon steak sandwich. Created exclusively for Citi Field, it comes stacked with Black Angus filet mignon, melted Monterey Jack cheese and caramelized onions on a toasted French baguette. Found at stands in sections 139 and 415 and at Pat LaFrieda’s Chop House in the Delta Sky 360 Club (open to certain ticket holders).
Outside of the stadium, Flushing is famous for its Asian restaurants. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao has some of the best soup dumplings in the city. You can also try out some of the delicious old-school Italian cuisine in Corona at Park Side Restaurant. Rumor has it players used to pop into Park Side frequently for post-game eats during the ’80s, so you might be able to pump the bartender for vintage Keith Hernandez gossip.
And if you have more time to spare before or after the game, take a walk to see structures left from the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows’ Corona Park.
Can’t-Miss Moments
Visit the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum and relive some of the best moments in Mets history. See the 1969 and 1986 World Series trophies, plaques for each member of the Mets Hall of Fame and more. A must for fans of all ages, access to the museum is free to everyone with a ticket on game days.
Fans can also meet the beloved team mascots, Mr. and Mrs. Met. Visit Fan Fest in center field during select times on game days for an amazin’ photo op!
Extras
Download the MLB Ballpark app before your visit. It’s an essential companion when visiting your favorite Major League Baseball ballparks. It perfectly complements and personalizes the trip with mobile check-in, social media, offers, rewards and exclusive content. Select MLB ballparks allow you to experience upgrade components and also offer mobile food ordering.
For helpful tips and recommendations on things to see, do and eat in and around all three Northeast Major League Baseball stadiums, be sure to check out our full Northeast Baseball Guide.
What are your favorite things to do in and around Citi Field? Tell us in the comments.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
What is a hit-and-run crash? It seems self-explanatory; it’s technically right there in the name. However, there are some details you might want to know more about, especially if you are a victim.
So, who is responsible for the damages when you can’t prove fault and the other person is long gone? Can your insurance help? Read on for answers.
What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run?
Simply defined, a hit-and-run is any traffic collision in which a driver flees the scene, leaving behind property damage, bodily injury or even death. No information is exchanged between the two drivers and there is no opportunity to identify who caused the accident. It can happen anywhere a car can be driven, whether a well-traveled road or a parking lot.
Hit-and-run violations are criminal offenses. There are laws in every state that make fleeing the site of a crash illegal to varying degrees (however, most states do allow for a driver to temporarily leave the scene to get emergency help.) If caught and found guilty, and depending on the severity of the crash, drivers can potentially face loss or suspension of their license, large fines or jail time.
Hit-and-Run Insurance Claims and Coverage
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run crash and left stranded with vehicle damage or injuries, call the police immediately, file a report and notify your insurance company. It’s also smart to check if there were any witnesses that can contribute to your case.
Hit-and-run coverage varies by state and insurance carrier.
“If police ultimately can identify the culprit and they carry liability insurance, their insurance company could help pay for the damages/injuries. However, most are never identified,” said Jodi DeSantis, managing director of insurance sales for AAA Northeast. “Therefore, it is the coverages that you carry on your policy that will determine whether or not protection is available. Collision coverage would help to pay for the cost to repair your car, minus any deductible.”
Uninsured motorist and no-fault coverages may provide compensation for a hit-and-run, but also depends on state and carrier. In some cases, the driver may need to be identified for uninsured motorist coverage to kick in. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your specific coverages; a licensed insurance agent can help you interpret your contract.
Generally, hit-and-run accidents will not cause insurance rates to go up for the victim.
Say you’re in a parking garage and accidentally ding the car next to you with your door. If you drive away and pretend like it never happened, would that be considered a hit-and-run?
“Yes,” said DeSantis. “If the party that caused the damage does not stop, leaves the scene and does not identify themselves in any way, such as leaving a note.”
While you might get away with such a minor incident, staying at the scene or leaving a note is a polite courtesy to extend to the owner of the other vehicle.
How to Handle a Crash
If you are involved in a crash, resist your flight response and never leave the scene. Remember that while hitting another car or a pedestrian is scary, especially when there are injuries involved, it is an accident. You may not even be at fault. Fleeing is a crime. Instead, follow these steps, according to AAA.
Call 911.
Make sure you are visible to approaching drivers using hazard lights, flares or reflectors as needed. Find a safe place to stay until help arrives.
File a report with the police. If police do not come to the scene, you can file a report via your local police department or insurance agency.
If you are leaving one job for another, you want to ensure your 401(k) account continues to grow. When it comes to rolling over your funds, you have options. The key is to avoid common 401(k) rollover mistakes. Do your research to choose a plan that is best for you and follow all the proper steps, so you don’t get hit with a big tax bill or lose out on income growth, according to Fidelity.
To a certain extent, your age factors into what you choose to do. Cashing out a retirement account if you are under 59 1/2 (the minimum age for withdrawal established by the IRS) usually is not a good idea. If you close the account and take the money, you will have to pay income taxes and potentially a 10% early withdrawal penalty, significantly reducing the amount of money with which you will walk away.
Meeting with a financial professional to avoid any 401(k) rollover mistakes and ensure you pick the right solution can be helpful.
Sticking With Your Old 401(k)
In some cases, you can leave the money in your former employer’s plan, but that may not be the best choice. The money continues to grow, but there are limits to accessing the account. You can no longer deposit money into the account, and if you want to withdraw money, it may have to be the full amount. Plus, not all companies are open to former employees leaving money behind.
Consider rolling over your 401(k) into your new employer’s 401(k) or individual retirement account (IRA). This way you can build on what you already have. If you leave the job when you are age 55 or older, you can make withdrawals without paying any penalties, Fidelity noted.
Not all companies allow you to roll over your 401(k) into another plan. If it’s permitted and you opt for this, make sure you understand your new plan’s regulations and investment choices.
Not Considering an Annuity
Not investigating rolling your money into an annuity can be a mistake. You risk losing out on a more stable savings plan. You can roll over your 401(k) into an income annuity, which is a financial product designed to provide an income stream for a specified period, typically for the duration of a person’s life. Investors can either contribute a lump sum or pay into it over time — like a savings plan — and, in return, gain an income source immediately or for the future, usually when they retire.
“Among the benefits of rolling your 401(k) over to an annuity is it provides you and your family with a more secure retirement savings option while managing the risk of loss from market fluctuations,” said Christopher Perrier, director of life insurance sales for AAA Northeast. “This can serve as a guaranteed income stream for the remainder of your life.”
Rolling Into an IRA Without Weighing Perks and Drawbacks
Rolling over a 401(k) to a rollover IRA, may sound easy, but that could be a mistake as well. Among the drawbacks: Investments through IRAs could be more expensive and the federal government offers more protections for 401(k)s than IRAs. Although some states offer additional protections for IRAs, according to Fidelity.
When you are 73 years old, unless you were born in 1960 or after, you will have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) annually from the IRA account, even if you have continued to work. You won’t pay taxes or a penalty for moving the money, though, and it is still a tax-deferred account. You can also move the money to a traditional IRA, either existing or new.
Wherever you choose to transfer your money, remember to follow up to ensure there are no 401(k) rollover mistakes and that the transfer is completed. Transactions can be delayed for any number of reasons, and you want to be certain you know where your money is.
