AAA Anticipates Five Million Stranded Motorists During Holiday Season

Preventative steps can keep the holidays jolly and help avoid roadside trouble

ORLANDO, Fla., November 19, 2008: 'Tis the season to be jolly, but AAA estimates the holidays might not be as merry for approximately five million motorists stranded with vehicle problems this holiday season.

North America's largest motor club estimates it will provide two million motorists with towing services and jump start or replace one million batteries during the months of November and December, based on data from previous years.

"Cold temperatures and wintery weather take their toll on vehicles, especially if they have not been properly maintained and prepared for winter," said Marshall L. Doney, vice president, AAA Automotive. "Now is not the time to defer vehicle maintenance or be without a motor club membership. Both are essential in guarding against unexpected repair and towing expenses and becoming stranded this holiday season."

AAA recommends motorists have one of its Approved Auto Repair shops inspect their vehicles. AAA's network of approved repair facilities is a free public service to help consumers find trustworthy repair shops with certified technicians. Consumers can find Approved Auto Repair facilities online at AAA.com/repair.

An in-depth version of this release detailing what vehicle components should be inspected and why they are important is available on the AAA NewsRoom at http://www.aaa.com/News.

In addition to providing towing and battery assistance this holiday season, AAA anticipates assisting 800,000 motorists locked out of their vehicles, more than 650,000 with tire trouble and more than 100,000 stuck in snow and ice.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.