AAA Offers Information On Managing Roadside Breakdowns
ORLANDO, Fla.--Jan. 17, 2002--Winter storms across much of the nation and treacherous road conditions in some areas have prompted the nation's largest organization for motorists to offer a free brochure containing advice on how to manage roadside breakdowns. The brochure is available free from participating AAA clubs and is called "What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down."AAA -- the most relied upon provider of emergency road service in North America -- said advance planning and calm decision-making are the keys to successfully reacting to roadside emergency situations.
"Winter weather is a major contributor to vehicle breakdowns and other incidents that leave motorists stranded and in need of help," said Marshall L. Doney, vice president of AAA Automotive Services. "While it is not possible to prevent the millions of emergency road service situations that will occur over the next few months, motorists can be ready to react in a safe manner and receive the help they need."
Doney said in addition to monitoring weather reports, adjusting driving styles to road conditions and keeping vehicles in top operating condition, motorists should keep the following points in mind when driving:
| -- | Always note your vehicle's location - Be aware of landmarks, street names, including cross streets, specific addresses and highway numbers and exits. This information is important when summoning assistance, or confirming your location to an operator. Wireless location technologies available in some vehicles don't always work in remote areas, and in-car systems may be useless if the vehicle experiences electrical failure or it becomes necessary to exit the vehicle for a place of greater safety. |
| -- | Assess Your Vehicle's Operating Problem - Watch for warning lights on the instrument panel and listen for odd noises, or a change in vehicle handling characteristics. Check the fuel, temperature and oil pressure gauges. Any information you can provide about what might be wrong with your vehicle will assist an emergency road service operator in sending the right equipment. |
| -- | Pull Off the Road - Immediately switch on the safety/emergency flashers. On most roads, pull on to the far right shoulder as far as possible. If your vehicle has lost power in the roadway, set the emergency brake and place flares or warning triangles well behind the vehicle -- while being extremely careful of other traffic. If there is a risk that you or your vehicle could be struck by traffic, leave your vehicle for a place of safety. Get assistance from others before attempting to push a vehicle to a safer location. |
| -- | Alert Other Motorists -- In addition to using emergency flashers or flares, raise your vehicle's hood and tie a brightly colored handkerchief or scarf to the antenna or door handle to signal the need for assistance. |
After making every effort to ensure safety for themselves, fellow passengers and other traffic, motorists should:
-- Communicate the Situation - Call a trusted friend, family
member or motor club for help. Make the call from inside your
vehicle, if this is the safest place and a cellular telephone
is available. Carefully leave the vehicle to make the call, if
it is not safe to remain in the vehicle.
-- Remain With the Vehicle - Generally, it is safest to remain
with the vehicle until a law enforcement officer or tow truck
operator arrives. If a cellular telephone is not available -
or it is not operable -- do not accept a ride from a stranger.
Instead, carefully walk to a nearby public phone, get the
attention of a law enforcement officer or ask another motorist
to make a call for you.
-- What to Expect from Emergency Road Service - Road service
providers can usually provide gasoline, attempt to change a
tire or boost a battery. If the problem is more serious, the
vehicle will need to be towed. An extra charge - paid in
advance - often applies for longer distance tows.
-- What to Tell the Operator - Regardless of how a road service
provider is contacted, be prepared to provide a phone number,
your exact location, and a description of your vehicle,
including year, make, model, color and license plate number.
Be able to provide your AAA membership number or insurance
number, if applicable. Indicate whether you will need
alternative transportation, how many passengers will need to
be moved, and ask about extra towing charges. Ask for the name
of a nearby, reputable repair shop, if needed. AAA has a
network of facilities that have been inspected and approved.
-- Determine When Service Should Arrive - The operator should be
able to give you an estimated time of arrival. Depending on
circumstances, including weather, time of day and location,
service could take as few as 30 minutes, or as long as several
hours. Check your watch and confirm the estimated time of
arrival with the operator.
-- What to Do When Help Arrives - Remain calm and cooperative.
Verify that the driver offering assistance is the one your
motor club sent to help you. Most firms have trained personnel
that know what to do. Do not attempt assistance unless asked.
If you need alternative transportation, ask to ride with the
tow truck driver to the towing destination, or ask that
alternative transportation be arranged. Do not accept a ride
from a stranger.
-- Know Your Road Service Provider - Having a cellular telephone
or other communications device in your vehicle does not always
mean you will be able to find reliable help when you need it
most. Without a motor club membership, or other road service
plan, it may be difficult to find an available tow vehicle and
driver during times of bad weather, traffic congestion or late
at night. Know what your road service coverage provides. Some
plans cover only a single vehicle, have up-front fees or a
deductible, expect you to arrange your own service, or require
towing back to a new car dealership. AAA membership does not
have these limitations or restrictions.
-- Be proactive - The majority of cold-weather service calls AAA
receives involve problems with vehicle electrical systems.
Have your car checked over to be sure everything is in peak
operating condition - before winter weather takes its toll.
Consider stocking items in your car that will help you stay
comfortable in the event of a breakdown - a blanket, hat,
coat, gloves, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a
flashlight and extra medication, if taken regularly.
For more detailed information on safely handling roadside emergencies, consumers should contact their local AAA club. AAA club telephone numbers can be found under "AAA" in telephone directories or at http://www.aaa.com on the World Wide Web.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA responds to more than 29 million calls for emergency road service each year and provides its nearly 45 million members with travel, insurance, financial and other automotive-related services. Since its found in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
AAA news releases are available from http://www.aaa.com/news
