AAA Expects to Rescue Over 300,000 Stranded Motorists this Weekend

Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue more than 378,000 stranded motorists, during the Memorial Day holiday weekend – an increase of 5% from last year.

The three most common reasons drivers call AAA are for flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.

“As you finalize your travel plans for the holiday weekend, make sure your vehicle is ready for the road,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We encourage all drivers to get a pre-trip inspection of their tires, battery, brakes, and other basics. This could help prevent a breakdown before it happens.”

AAA offers some travel tips before you hit the road.

First, check your tires – Pay special attention to both tire inflation pressure and tread depth. Be sure to inspect all four tires and the spare tire if your vehicle has one.

Listen to and feel the brakes – If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection.

Check your battery – The average car battery life is typically 3-5 years. If your engine is slow to start and/or your lights are dim, your battery may be nearing the end of its life.

Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner – Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 6-12 months. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades.

Top off engine oil and other fluids and replenish emergency kit supplies.

If you find yourself having car trouble while driving, pull over at the nearest safest location and call 911.

1.Pull as far over on the shoulder as safely possible to create more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic.

2.Turn your hazard lights on so other drivers are aware you are there.

3.Call for assistance via phone, website or the AAA Mobile app.

4.And while waiting for help, remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so

Additionally, the Auto Club Group is activating its Tow to Go program in Georgia and other select states, offering a confidential safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles.

The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program for more than 25 years, removing nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from U.S. roadways. When someone calls Tow to Go, a tow truck is dispatched to transport the vehicle and its owner to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. This service is free, regardless of whether the caller is a AAA member.

“By providing this program, AAA gives drivers no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, we remind people to treat Tow to Go as a last resort. Instead, make advanced plans for a safe ride home, because you do not want to be remembered on Memorial Day as the person who made the fatal mistake of driving impaired.”

Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Friday, May 24th to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 28th.
Free confidential rides are provided for AAA members and non-members.

You can call AAA’s Tow to Go service at (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.