AAA Mid-Atlantic Rescues Nearly 2,000 Stranded Philadelphia-Area Motorists During First Storm of the Season

• First storm of the season occurred during the work/school day, catching motorists off guard.
• AAA Mid-Atlantic saw a 46 percent jump in call volume yesterday over the previous Thursday (11/8/18).
• 41 percent of all AAA Mid-Atlantic Philadelphia-area rescues were tows Thursday, a 38 percent increase over last Thursday (11/8/18).

PHILADELPHIA, PA, (November 16, 2018) – AAA Mid-Atlantic rescued nearly 2,000 stranded Philadelphia-area motorists yesterday, 41 percent of which needed to be towed from their location.  This represents a 46 percent increase in call volume over last Thursday, Nov. 8.  Known for its roadside service, the auto club worked around the clock yesterday to help motorists crippled by the snow, sleet and heavy rain.

The auto club’s efforts continued into Friday morning, when roadside assistance crews responded to more than 600 calls before 10:00 a.m., representing 30 percent of yesterday’s call volume.

“Our fleet and contractors throughout the Mid-Atlantic region have been working around the clock to rescue stranded motorists, those crippled by the unexpected intensity of the first storm of the season,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Even as requests for assistance continue into today, our priority is always to get our members back on the road or to safety as quickly as possible.”

AAA urges drivers to be prepared for a breakdown with an emergency car care kit. Kits should be updated to include cold weather essentials such as blankets, hand warmers, non-perishable food and water. If heading to snow or ice, include an ice scraper for the windshield, snow chains and kitty litter to help with traction.

Pack a Vehicle Emergency Kit

AAA urges motorists to prepare a winter emergency kit now and stow in the trunk of their vehicle to have it immediately available should the need arise. Yesterday’s road closures and extreme delays should serve as a reminder to motorists that a vehicle emergency kit is often needed when least expected.  AAA warns, more than 40 percent of motorists do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle.

“No one ever plans to get stuck on the road,” noted Tidwell. “After what we saw yesterday, motorists should pack a winter vehicle emergency kit now and leave it in their car for the winter.  The contents of this kit could prove to be life-saving in the next storm.”

The emergency kit should include:

• Fully charged mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger 
• Drinking water
• First-aid kit
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel
• Blankets
• Extra warm clothing (coat, gloves, hats, scarves)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Window washer solvent
• Ice scraper with brush
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

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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.