Apr 1, 2026|Community, Traffic Safety
VOORHEES, N.J. – For most people, a vehicle breaking down and needing a tow means a bad day. For AAA South Jersey members, the silver lining is you might meet Karl Snyder. Karl was awarded AAA South Jersey’s Fleet All Star Technician Award for 2025. The second annual award was given to Karl to honor his outstanding performance, strong safety habits, and consistent commitment to delivering excellent service to our members. Get to know Karl below.
Q: How long have you been with AAA?
Karl: Ten years.
Q: What did you do before working at AAA?
Karl: I drove a tow truck for another tow company.
Q: What do you do for AAA?
Karl: 99% of the time, towing.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you won this award?
Karl: I was a little shocked. I didn't believe it. They announced it at the holiday party but I wasn’t there. Everyone said something and I'm like, ’What are you talking about? I don't know. I never won an award before.’
Q: The award winner is selected based on metrics such as safe driving, speeding, harsh braking, distracted driving, etc. And then it's also based on customer service, how well you work with the team here. Is that something that you take pride in?
Karl: I do. It's my job. Pay attention. And I take commercial truck driving very seriously because we get to clean up the aftermath of when people don't pay attention. They're too busy browsing Facebook to pay attention and smack curbs and hit other cars. And just treat everybody like people, show up, enjoy your coworkers. It's the people here.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the job?
Karl: It’s something different every day. It's never the same thing. You never know what you're getting into. So, it's something fresh every day. Yeah, the job's the same. You put the truck where it needs to be and the truck does the rest of the work, but you never know who you're gonna bump into. People telling you funny stories from back in the day. Just people's stories, getting to talk different people every day.
Q: Do you have a memorable call or service?
Karl: I have quite a few that we can't put on here.
Q: Slow Down, Move Over is a big initiative for AAA. People either may not know about it, or they just don't follow the law. Have you had any close calls?
Karl: Oh, absolutely. Every day. Yeah, almost I got laid out by a dump truck right at 561 on I-295. He was looking at his phone and went right over the white line.
Q: Do you have a message for the people who will read this?
Karl: Put your phone down and pay attention to what's in front of you. I mean, honestly, it's simple. And honestly, the new cars today, there are so many computers and screens like flashing stuff at you and like that, that's a distraction in itself and they have terrible blind spots. It's too much of a reliance on technology. And then people, they think their car can auto drive.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, only 64% of vehicles either slowed down or moved over when researchers reviewed real-world footage of drivers passing roadside incidents. The other 36% did neither.
The same research also found tow truck operators face the greatest risk. Only 58% of drivers slowed down or moved over when a tow truck was stopped at the roadside, compared to 66% for police vehicles.
New Jersey law requires drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped at the roadside.
Mar 27, 2026|Fuel
VOORHEES, N.J. (March 31, 2026) — The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline surpassed $4 this week for the first time since August 10, 2022. As spring break arrives, more people are planning to hit the road. So, what can you do to save on your next road trip, or simply on your daily commute to work? AAA South Jersey has 9 easy tips for you to follow.
Mar 26, 2026|Community
VOORHEES, N.J. (March 30, 2026) — To celebrate Earth Month, AAA South Jersey is planting one tree for every vehicle battery we recycle in the month of April. AAA South Jersey Gives Back has partnered with the nonprofit One Tree Planted to plant trees in areas of the United States most in need of reforestation.
Over the last two years, AAA South Jersey has planted more than 1,100 trees in areas of North America in need of reforestation. One Tree Planted has planted more than 135 million trees in 82 countries across the globe in its 10-year history.
AAA is Driving Change through our vehicle battery recycling program. Since its inception 25 years ago, we have recycled over 30 million batteries! Not only do we recycle every battery we replace, but we also encourage others to do the same! Anyone can drop off their batteries at one of our AAA Car Care Centers or Approved Auto Repair, and we will make sure they are disposed of properly.
Unrecycled batteries can discharge large quantities of lead and sulfuric acid into the environment, creating health, safety, and fire hazards for humans and animals alike.
The AAA battery program is a year-round effort that collects and recycles as many old batteries as are installed annually. Last year alone, AAA recycled over 2.5 million batteries with the lifetime total of the program topping 30 million.
Mar 19, 2026|Fuel
VOORHEES, N.J. (March 19, 2026) – Friday marks the official start of spring and prices at the pump continued to climb by 28 cents since last week. With the spring equinox ushering in warmer weather and more time on the road, gas prices are trending upward alongside seasonal demand. Last week’s announcement to release 172 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves over four months has no immediate relief on the oil market as the price of a barrel of crude continues to climb.
Today’s National Average: $3.884
One Week Ago: $3.598
One Month Ago: $2.929
One Year Ago: $3.102
In New Jersey, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose 28 cents over the last week to sit at $3.79. A month ago, it was $2.93.
The cheapest gas in the state, on average, can currently be found in Bergen County at $3.71. Cape May County has the highest average price in the state at $3.92.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 9.24 million b/d to 8.72 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 249.5 million barrels to 244.0 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day.
Oil Market Dynamics
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose 11 cents to settle at $96.32 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories increased by 6.2 million barrels from the previous week. At 449.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 1% below the five year average for this time of year.
Fuel-Saving Tips
• Watch your speed. Fuel economy peaks at around 50 mph on most cars, then drops off as speeds increase. Reducing highway speeds by 5 to 10 mph can increase fuel economy by as much as 14%.
• Avoid excessive idling. A car engine consumes one quarter to one-half gallon of fuel per hour when idling, but a warm engine only takes around 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart. Where safe to do so, shut off your engine if you will be stopped for more than a minute.
• Regular vs. Premium. Pay close attention to the words “recommended” and “required.” If regular gas is recommended for your vehicle, that’s all you need. Choosing premium when your car doesn’t require it will only cost you money and doesn’t improve fuel economy.• from your vehicle (e.g., trunk, cargo area, etc. ) as weight increases the amount of effort it takes to move the vehicle.• . Maintaining the proper pressure will save you gas money as it takes less effort to move the vehicle and proper tire pressure decreases wear on the tires. Follow the recommended pressure as identified in your owner’s manual and/or a decal located on the driver’s side door.• For road trips, ahead of time to avoid unnecessary stops. Pack enough water and snacks to hold you over to avoid spending extra cash on fast food. at gas stations.
Mar 16, 2026|Traffic Safety
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 24, 2026) — A new AAA survey reveals a growing concern among drivers: headlight glare. Six in ten drivers say glare is a problem after dark, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe it has worsened over the past decade. The findings are renewing concerns about road safety, headlight regulations, and modern lighting standards.
“Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering and research at AAA. “As vehicle lighting technology evolves, so must our understanding of glare, its impact, and the steps drivers can take to maintain safety.”
Glare Problems Are Worsening
Headlight glare continues to worsen for U.S. drivers, with 73% of those who experience it saying the problem has intensified over the past decade. “Driven by several factors including new headlight technologies and taller vehicle designs, drivers are becoming frustrated with the issue of headlight glare,” said Brannon.
Most drivers who experience glare cite oncoming headlights as the primary cause, with 92% identifying it as their top concern. About one third also report glare issues in their rearview or side mirrors.
At the same time, AAA’s latest testing shows significant progress in nighttime pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) performance, with impact avoidance improving from 0% in 2019 to 60% in 2025. Some of this increase could be due to improved sensor visibility due to headlight design.
Additional Survey Findings:
Mar 9, 2026|Traffic Safety
WASHINGTON (March 11, 2026) – Imagine you’re crossing the street when everything goes dark. When you come to, you’re lying in the road, in pain, unsure what happened — except for the red taillights disappearing into the night. No driver. No help. No one calling 911.
Scenes like this are becoming increasingly common. New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) published today finds that 15% of all police-reported crashes in 2023 involved a driver who fled the scene, the highest percentage recorded in any recent year. The new research reveals a growing crisis on America’s roads, one that leaves injured people alone, without help, and too often without accountability.
Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable. In fact, 1 in 4 pedestrians and nearly as many cyclists killed in crashes in 2023 were hit by a driver who fled the scene. They are frequently struck in darkness during late-night or early morning hours, when visibility is low and there may be no one nearby to call for help.
“While the reasons drivers flee vary, the outcomes are often too severe or fatal and our analysis shows the percentage of this crash type continues to increase during the past several years,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Drivers must understand that leaving the scene only compounds the harm. Staying, calling for help, and taking responsibility can save lives.”
Roadside service providers who work just feet from moving traffic, often in dangerous conditions, are at risk as well. Tragically, 15 of them were struck and killed at the roadside last year, based on AAA’s tracking of reported roadside worker fatalities. At least 6 of those 15 were killed by a driver who fled the scene. Roadside safety starts with all of us and AAA is committed to protecting everyone who works or waits at the roadside
“Every time a roadside technician steps out of their vehicle, they’re putting themselves in harm’s way to help someone else,” said Cliff Ruud, Managing Director of Automotive Services at AAA. “When a driver flees the scene, it puts our technicians at even greater risk. These are people with families who should make it home at the end of their shift — and too often, hit-and-run drivers take that chance away. Drivers have the power to protect them — slow down, move over, and stay alert when you see flashing lights.”
The AAA Foundation’s research identifies practical solutions that can save lives: automatic crash notifications through vehicles and smartphones, safer road designs that protect people walking and biking, and accountability measures — including clear legal consequences and consistent enforcement — that make fleeing the scene less likely.
Mar 5, 2026|Fuel
VOORHEES, N.J. (March 5, 2026) - The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped nearly 27 cents since last week to $3.25. The conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices higher to the mid $70/barrel range. The recent increase puts the national average at the same price as it was in early April of 2025. Springtime typically sees higher gas prices as gasoline demand rises and summer-blend gasoline production begins. The last time the national average made a similar weekly jump was back in March of 2022 during the start of the Russia/Ukraine conflict.
Today’s National Average: $3.251
One Week Ago: $2.983
One Month Ago: $2.891
One Year Ago: $3.107
In New Jersey, the average gas price has risen 21 cents over the past week, and is up 27 cents over the past month. Among all states, the Garden State ranks 34th in largest price jump over the last week.
Sussex County in North Jersey currently has the cheapest average price at the pump at $3.07, but South Jersey largely is seeing cheaper prices than North Jersey. Click here to view a statewide breakdown.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.73 million b/d to 8.29 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 254.8 million barrels to 253.1 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels per day.
At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose 10 cents to settle at $74.66 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories increased by 3.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 439.3 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same at 39 cents.
Feb 25, 2026|Travel
WASHINGTON, DC (March 10, 2026) - Spring Break isn’t a national holiday, but for many families it’s an annual tradition. As Spring Breakers prepare to travel over the next several weeks, AAA is sharing top destinations based on AAA Travel booking data and practical advice for peace of mind.
Flights to Spring Break domestic hot spots are 2% more expensive over last year, averaging about $815 for roundtrip tickets.
Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa are among the top 10 most popular domestic Spring Break destinations. The Sunshine State dominates this time of year as travelers seek a reliably warm climate to spend time at the beach or enjoy theme parks.
Many travelers prefer to hit the road for Spring Break. AAA rental car partner Hertz says Orlando, Los Angeles, and Phoenix are the most popular rental destinations, and the top bookings by state are Florida, California, Texas, Hawaii, and Arizona.
AAA members can save at the pump over Spring Break by signing up for Shell Fuel Rewards®. Members who register now through April 30 will get 35¢/gallon off their first fill at participating Shell stations, and all AAA Fuel Rewards members will save 10¢/gallon during that time period, which is an additional 5¢/gallon compared to the standard Fuel Rewards discount.
Flights to the most popular Caribbean and international destinations are slightly cheaper this year compared to 2025, averaging around $1,300 roundtrip.
Ocean cruising continues to set records this year as AAA projects 21.7 million Americans will take cruise vacations in 2026. Many families book cruises over Spring Break to get the most out of the week, with Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas being the most popular.
Feb 23, 2026|Community
VOORHEES, N.J. — Join us in supporting the American Red Cross this March — Red Cross Month. All month long, AAA South Jersey is collecting monetary donations to support the Red Cross’ services in New Jersey.
The club will also match all donations until we reach our goal of $10,000 raised.
Like AAA, the American Red Cross is there for people in need every day of the year, and through this special campaign, you can be too. When you allow the American Red Cross to use your donation where it is needed most, you help in so many ways. Your gift might secure food and lodging for the family struck by a home fire. It might help a deployed soldier get home for the birth of his son. It might provide blood for the child battling cancer. Wherever it goes, you will know that you’ve helped during some of life’s darkest moments.
Feb 19, 2026|Community
VOORHEES, N.J. (February 27, 2026) – AAA South Jersey is collecting items to benefit people experiencing homelessness in our area. AAA South Jersey Gives Back is partnering with For the Love of Pete’s Pantry, a local nonprofit, to maximize the reach and success of the collection.
For the Love of Pete’s Pantry recommends donating the following items:
EV Charging
The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station remained the same this past week at 41 cents.
State Stats
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($5.61), Washington ($5.14), Hawaii ($5.07), Oregon ($4.70), Nevada ($4.66), Arizona ($4.43), Alaska ($4.42), Illinois ($4.04), Idaho ($3.98), and District of Columbia ($3.96).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($3.24), Kansas ($3.24), Iowa ($3.34), Arkansas ($3.34), North Dakota ($3.35), South Dakota ($3.36), Nebraska ($3.37), Missouri ($3.38), Minnesota ($3.43), and Mississippi ($3.48).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (53 cents), Hawaii (51 cents), Alaska (50 cents), New Hampshire (47 cents), Louisiana (47 cents), South Carolina (46 cents), California (45 cents), New Jersey (45 cents), Arkansas (44 cents), and Idaho (43 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (29 cents), Missouri (31 cents), Utah (33 cents), Maryland (33 cents), Nebraska (33 cents), Iowa (34 cents), Vermont (34 cents), South Dakota (34 cents), Delaware (36 cents), and Colorado (38 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of over 63 million members across North America, including 56 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.
AAA Encourages Driver Awareness and Safer Nighttime Driving
AAA is committed to helping drivers stay safe. To help reduce headlight glare and improve overall nighttime visibility, AAA recommends drivers:
AAA will continue to research the topic and provide recommendations to industry on how we can work together to balance the ability to safely see the roadway with the growing concerns around headlight glare.
Methodology
The survey was conducted February 5-8, 2026, using a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population overall. The panel provides sample coverage of approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. Most surveys were completed online; consumers without Internet access were surveyed over the phone.
A total of 1,092 interviews were completed among U.S. adults, 18 years of age or older. The margin of error for the study overall is +/- 4% at the 95% confidence level. Smaller subgroups have larger error margins
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.
“Bringing down the number of hit-and-run crashes will take a multi-pronged approach,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research. “Stronger enforcement, smarter use of technology, and public education can work together to change behavior — and we already have the tools to make a real difference and save lives.”
Other Notable Findings:
About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, publicly supported charitable research and education organization. It was founded in 1947 by the American Automobile Association to conduct research to address growing highway safety issues. The organization’s mission is to identify traffic safety problems, foster research that seeks solutions, and disseminate information and educational materials. AAA Foundation funding comes from voluntary, tax-deductible contributions from motor clubs associated with the American Automobile Association and the Canadian Automobile Association, individual AAA club members, insurance companies and other individuals or groups.
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 65 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.
Gas
The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.81), Washington ($4.44), Hawaii ($4.43), Oregon ($4.04), Nevada ($3.87), Alaska ($3.72), Arizona ($3.58), Illinois ($3.36), Pennsylvania ($3.35), and Michigan ($3.27).
The nation's top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Oklahoma ($2.79), Mississippi ($2.81), Kansas ($2.83), Tennessee ($2.84), Texas ($2.87), Arkansas ($2.90), Louisiana ($2.90), Wyoming ($2.90), North Dakota ($2.91), and Missouri ($2.92).
Electric
The nation’s top 10 most expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are West Virginia (52 cents), Hawaii (50 cents), Alaska (48 cents), Louisiana (47 cents), South Carolina (44 cents), New Hampshire (44 cents), New Jersey (43 cents), California (42 cents), Idaho (42 cents), and Tennessee (41 cents).
The nation’s top 10 least expensive states for public charging per kilowatt hour are Kansas (25 cents), Wyoming (27 cents), Missouri (28 cents), Nebraska (30 cents), Utah (31 cents), Iowa (32 cents), Vermont (32 cents), Maryland (33 cents), New Mexico (33 cents), and Colorado (34 cents).
Drivers can find current gas and electric charging prices along their route using the AAA TripTik Travel planner.
Top international destinations include Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Barcelona, and London. Spring Break in Europe appeals to families looking for history and entertainment. AAA Travel data shows Rome is the most popular European city for booking a tour package and immersing in the culture.
Travelers planning to drive abroad can now apply for International Driving Permits online. AAA is one of only two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs. While you can still apply in person at a AAA branch, you now have the option to use your smartphone to take a digital photo and complete the application online. Many countries require IDPs to rent a car and drive legally.
AAA has the following advice for travelers who are heading overseas for Spring Break.
About AAA
Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by our mission to Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences, AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the United States. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.
Items can be dropped off at any of AAA South Jersey’s three locations through Friday, April 17.
In late April, AAA South Jersey associates will hold a volunteer event to assemble “blessing bags” with the items members and employees have donated. Others will make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In coordination with For the Love of Pete’s Pantry, the blessing bags and sandwiches will be delivered to those in need at the nonprofit’s next Treats on the Streets distribution event.
Please email aaagivesback@aaasj.com with any questions.
About AAA South Jersey Gives Back
AAA was founded on the mission of helping people. Our AAA South Jersey Gives Back program takes this mission from the roadside to the heart of our communities, where we are needed most. AAA South Jersey, its associates, and members are committed to giving back year-round through donations, collection efforts, volunteering, scholarships, and more. In 2025, the AAA South Jersey Gives Back program provided more than $72,000 in charitable donations, sponsorships and scholarships.