AAA Issues Safety Guidance for Handling Roadside Emergencies
ORLANDO, Fla.--April 11, 2001--Motorists should be careful not to let growing reliance on mobile technologies -- such as wireless telephones, in-car navigation systems and satellite global positioning systems -- replace common-sense in anticipating and reacting to roadside emergency situations, AAA said today.To help consumers understand their rights and responsibilities at the roadside, AAA has prepared a new consumer brochure covering 11 guidelines for motorists who find themselves stranded suddenly by a vehicle breakdown and needing help.
"AAA believes increased use of mobile communication technologies by motorists has made it more important to re-emphasize the difference safe conduct and clear thinking can make during a vehicle breakdown," said Marshall L. Doney, vice president of AAA Automotive Services.
"New technologies are enabling motorists to gather and transmit more information than ever before from remote locations. Still, the need to take preventative measures to avoid vehicle trouble, stay alert to one's surroundings and know how to react on the shoulder of a busy highway is as great as ever," Doney said.
AAA, which is North America's largest motor club and annually responds to more than 30 million calls from motorists with vehicle trouble, recommends the following steps be taken before seeking assistance using a wireless telephone or going for help:
| -- | Always note your vehicle's location - wireless technologies don't always work in remote areas, and in-car systems may be useless if your vehicle experiences electrical failure or it becomes necessary to move to a place of greater safety. Be aware of landmarks, street name, including cross streets, specific addresses and highway numbers and exits. This information is important when summoning assistance, or confirming your location to an operator. |
| -- | 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 you or your vehicle could be struck by traffic, leave your vehicle for a place of safety. Do not risk injury by pushing your vehicle to a safe location, unless competently assisted by others. |
| -- | 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 a stranded motorist has made every effort to ensure safety for him or herself, fellow passengers and other traffic, they 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 describe 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 and ask about
extra towing charges. Ask for the name of a nearby, reputable
repair shop, if needed.
-- 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 Rights and Responsibilities - 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. A good road service plan does not have these
limitations or restrictions.