AAA Mid-Atlantic Emergency Roadside Assistance Calls

Philadelphia 5-County Area – February 20, 2019 (as of 1:30 p.m.)

“Motorists appear to be heeding the warnings to stay off the roads, as AAA emergency roadside assistance call volume is very light as of 1:30 p.m. today,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “AAA joins government and law officials to urge motorists to be smart about travel today and stay off the roads if they can.  Keeping our members and emergency roadside service drivers safe is AAA’s number one priority.  Vehicles that get stuck unnecessarily impede road crews and emergency responders from doing their jobs safely and effectively.  If you have to be on the roads, please use extreme caution and allow plenty of extra time, as snow and wind have dramatically impaired visibility.”

• AAA has responded to over 500 member calls for assistance through 1:00 p.m.
• 25% flat tire, 42% tow, 18% dead battery
• AAA roadside assistance call volume is DOWN 42% from the same day/time last year
• AAA expects call volume to increase throughout the afternoon/evening commute today and throughout the day tomorrow as many people return to the roads

AAA Mid-Atlantic Tri-State Area Total Calls = over 1,300 rescues (territory covers Philadelphia 5-county, much of NJ, all of DE)

Winter Weather Driving Tips

AAA Mid-Atlantic advises motorists to be cautious when driving in winter conditions and offers the following safety tips:

• Remove all snow from vehicle, including 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).
• Slow down. Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Accelerate, turn and brake gradually.
• Do not tailgate. Normal following distances of three to four seconds on dry pavement should be a minimum of five to six seconds when driving on slippery surfaces. The extra time will provide additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary.
• Never use cruise control on slippery roads, as you lose the ability to transfer more weight to the front tire by simply lifting off the accelerator. A driver should always be in full control of their vehicle during poor road conditions.
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes. This increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause loss of vehicle traction.
• Minimize the need to brake on ice. If you’re approaching a stop sign, traffic light or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Vehicle control is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.

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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.