Rand McNally has unveiled its new 2002 Road Atlas, which allows users to quickly access vast travel information and custom road trip planning on the company`s Web site.

The America`s best selling road atlas is now Internet-ready. The 2002 Road Atlas plugs into the power of the Internet via randmcnally.com to make it even easier to find the most up-to-date information based on travel plans and interests. Maps and features have clearly marked Express Access Codes that can be entered on randmcnally.com to get even more detailed information on thousands of points of interest, attractions, road construction updates, mileage, and more. The new edition features Express Access Codes on its pages. Simply by typing an Express Access Code on the randmcnally.com home page, 2002 Road Atlas users will have fast access to profiles of U.S. states and Canadian provinces, cities, Best of the Road trips, and a mileage calculator. The profiles, compiled and written by Rand McNally, include information on National Parks, things to do, places to stay, current road construction, weather and travel tips. There are more than 400 Express Access Codes throughout the 2002 Road Atlas.

“Millions of travelers rely on Rand McNally to plan their trips before they leave and when they`re on the road. Now those millions of customers will be able to quickly use randmcnally.com with their Road Atlas to plan their road trips,” says Michael K. Hehir, president and CEO of Rand McNally. “We`re using the Internet to take our best-selling Road Atlas to a new level - offering travelers the best of both worlds in print and online.”

Another new feature in the 2002 Road Atlas is the debut of the Rand McNally Best of the Road awards program, designating top stops along select trips that Rand McNally editors deem to be “worth a drive.” The 2002 Best of the Road program, also featured on randmcnally.com, honors 29 food venues, shops, events and attractions highlighting regional road trips in the United States and Canada. The 2002 Road Atlas also includes other new and updated features:
—Thousands of map updates, including new interstate exit numbers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike;
—Road construction zones highlighted on state and city maps;
—30 Cool and Unusual Events in 2002, such as a Rattlesnake Roundup in Texas;
—Road Safety Tips and Facts, including how to reach emergency help via mobile phone if 911 is not available.

Specially marked editions of the 2002 Road Atlas contain a mail-in card redeemable for a $5 gift certificate for McDonald`s restaurants, while supplies last. The Rand McNally 2002 Road Atlas is on sale this month at 28 Rand McNally Map & Travel stores across the United States, at the Travel Store on randmcnally.com and at retail stores nationwide.
(www.randmacnally.com)

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