AAA Mid-Atlantic: More Tows When It Snows

AAA advises drivers to stay off the roads and offers tips to help prepare for the drive tomorrow

PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 4, 2018) – After a week of near-record call volume, mostly for dead batteries and flat tires, a greater proportion of calls AAA has been fielding today have been for tows but, AAA says, the volume overall has dropped dramatically, an indication that most drivers are heeding warnings and staying home.

“Of course it is good for AAA to be getting fewer calls because fewer calls mean fewer members in trouble,” says Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Unfortunately though, drivers calling to be pulled from a snowbank or drivers who have been involved in a crash are often at greater risk than drivers with dead batteries who can retreat to the safety and warmth of their homes while waiting for help to arrive.”

As of 12:00 p.m. today, AAA Mid-Atlantic had responded to 436 member calls for roadside assistance in the Philadelphia 5-county area, 44 percent of which have been for tows, 28 percent for dead batteries.  This is a stark contrast to the 2,000-plus calls per day AAA Mid-Atlantic responded to Tuesday and Wednesday.

While many offices, schools and attractions are closed today, many Delaware Valley residents will be heading out on the roads tomorrow. AAA Mid-Atlantic offers the following tips for motorists returning to the road tomorrow:

• Remove all snow from your vehicle, including the roof, hood, and trunk. While driving, snow can blow off a car onto the windshield of a nearby vehicle, temporary blinding that driver’s vision. (PA law requires motorists to clean their cars off completely so snow and ice do not dislodge while driving).

• Don’t let your car idle – you should warm up your car no more than 30 seconds before you start driving, as the engine warms up faster from being driven.  Never leave your car idling, unattended.

• Allow plenty of extra time to get where you need to go.

• Increase following distance between you and the cars around you.

• Stay at least six car lengths behind snow plows and salt trucks.

• Slow down and move over – if you see police, EMS or roadside assistance operators helping a motorist on the side of the road.

• Pack a vehicle emergency kit before you need it and leave in in the car all winter – a fully-charged mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, along with car charger, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers, blankets and extra warm clothing (coat, gloves, hats, scarves)    
  
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Philadelphia, PA 19159

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Pennsylvania.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.