AAA Reports Vehicle Lockout Service on the Rise, Can be Avoided

BURNSVILLE, Minn., Nov. 21, 2005 -- AAA reports that calls for vehicle lockout assistance have increased significantly since the 1980s, creating frustration for millions of vehicle owners and potentially dangerous situations for small children and pets.

This past year alone, AAA has responded to nearly 5 million stranded motorists nationwide who either left their car keys inside the passenger compartment or in their trunk, or misplaced their car keys altogether. One of the causes for such a sharp increase may be the vehicles' own theft deterrent systems.

"Most newer car models sold today have high-tech locking systems that serve to protect the consumer from theft, but also make it more difficult to gain entry if you lose your key," said Gail Weinholzer, AAA Minnesota/Iowa spokesperson.

In 1980, lockouts represented just 1.4 percent of the total requests for AAA service. At present, lockouts now represent 16.9 percent of the total overall call volume in North America. In an effort to stay warm during the cold winter months, AAA commonly encounters motorists' requests for lockout assistance due to their leaving the keys in the ignition while they handle a brief errand.

Also, AAA strongly discourages motorists from leaving small children or pets unattended in a vehicle for any length of time while the engine is running, no matter the weather condition.

"Some vehicles will automatically lock after just a few seconds, even while the key is still in the ignition," added Weinholzer. "This can create a frightening and potentially life-threatening situation."

To help reduce the number of motorists stranded due to a vehicle lockout this holiday season, AAA suggests members get into the practice of:

   -- Always making sure they have their keys in hand when they exit the
      vehicle, close the trunk or when locking the car using the manual or
      automatic door locks.
   -- Keeping a plastic, credit card-type key or spare key in their wallet,
      purse or briefcase.
   -- Never placing their keys on the front seat, in the glove compartment,
      in the trunk or anywhere else in the vehicle.
   -- Placing their keys in their shirt or pants pocket instead of a jacket.
   -- Never leaving their vehicle running and unattended, even during short
      periods of time.
   -- Keeping the identification code number of the key written down on a
      piece of paper in their wallet. It will be easier to have a copy of
      their key made by a locksmith.
   -- Giving an extra set of keys to a trusted family member or to a friend
      who is traveling with them.
   -- Keeping a spare set of car keys at work or at a place they visit
      frequently.
   -- Never leaving children or pets unattended in the vehicle with access
      to keys.
   -- Taking the key out of the ignition prior to fueling your gas tank.

AAA ( http://www.aaa.com/ ) offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, with 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states.