WASHINGTON, D. C. (Thursday, May 11, 2017) –– This summer, AAA expects to rescue 7 million American drivers, with the majority facing battery, lock and tire-related issues. This number could soar higher, with a AAA survey revealing that 4 out of 10 American drivers are unprepared for emergency breakdown situations. With three-quarters of family travelers planning to travel by car to their favorite vacation spot, AAA reminds drivers to take the necessary precautions to ensure they are well prepared for a safe road trip. Measured from eastern Maine to Hawaii, the USA is 5,100 miles wide. Cars have a knack for breaking down anywhere.

“Most roadway breakdowns are unpleasant experiences, especially if small children or elderly loved ones are traveling with you,” said Bruce Jenkins, Manager, AAA Mid-Atlantic Club Fleet Operations. “On the other hand, the top three reasons for most emergency roadside assistance calls - battery failures, tire failures and lockouts - are avoidable and preventable with a little bit of preparation and a good measure of proper maintenance.”

“Summer heat takes a toll on vehicles, causing overheating engines, tire blowouts and dead batteries,” said Cliff Ruud, AAA’s managing director of AAA Automotive. “Having a disabled vehicle is a stressful and dangerous situation, which is why AAA urges drivers to stock an emergency kit, have their battery tested and inspect tires to make certain their cars are in road-ready condition.”

Unfortunately, AAA has found that many drivers are unprepared for roadside emergencies. Survey data shows that two-thirds of American drivers have never proactively had their car battery tested, 1 in 5 do not know how to change a tire and 4 in 10 do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle.

Other findings from AAA’s 2017 roadside assistance data show:

• Dead batteries, flat tires and vehicle lockouts are top reasons that members call AAA during the summer.
• While more than half of members’ problems are resolved at the roadside by AAA, more than 3 million drivers will experience significant vehicle issues this summer that require a tow to a repair facility.
• With low-profile tires and the elimination of spare tires, many newer vehicles are especially susceptible to roadside trouble.

Locally, the SOS switchboard at AAA Mid-Atlantic is bracing for a slight increase in roadside emergency call volume this summer. Last summer, roadside rescuers at AAA Mid-Atlantic came to the rescue of 1,119,038 stranded or distressed motorists throughout the region. That tally includes 67,467 rescues in Washington, D.C. last summer, plus 493,284 rescues in Maryland, in addition to 558,287 rescues in Virginia in the summer of 2016.   

“Roadside breakdowns continue to rise each year and can be a safety hazard for everyone on the road,” continued Ruud. “AAA is ready to help when vehicle troubles leave you stranded, however, travelers can minimize their risk by planning ahead and preparing properly.”

AAA projects the number of emergency rescue calls to increase to 1,124,824 total in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia for the summer of 2017 with

67,937 rescues in Washington, D.C., 495,551 rescues in Maryland and 561,337 rescues in Virginia. During the summer of 2016, the majority of the rescues for towing, battery replacements and flat tires.

AAA offers the following tips to help avoid common roadside problems:

• Schedule a checkup. Take your vehicle to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out. Oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections go a long way toward reducing the chances of a breakdown. AAA’s Mobile Battery Service offers free battery testing for AAA members.
• Pack an emergency kit. Every vehicle should be equipped with a well-stocked emergency kit that includes a mobile phone and car charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a basic toolkit with tire pressure gauge and adjustable wrench, windshield washer solution, jumper cables and emergency flares or reflectors, drinking water, extra snacks and food for travelers and pets.
• Prevent lockouts. Always take keys when exiting the car and bring a spare car key on every trip. Avoid exposing keyless-entry remote or smart keys to water and always replace the key or fob battery when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Additionally, AAA reminds drivers to take the following safety precautions on the road:

• Drive distraction-free. Do not text or engage in distracting activities while driving, including interacting with a cell phone, talking with passengers or looking at other objects in the vehicle.
• Comply with the Move Over Law. Observe the Move over Law when law enforcement or emergency vehicles are on the side of the road. Change lanes or slow down to give sufficient clearance. This is the law in all 50 states.
• Pull out of the traffic lanes if your car breaks down. If faced with a vehicle emergency, safely steer your car off the roadway. Turn on the emergency flashers to alert other drivers and exit the vehicle on the side facing away from traffic if possible. Once everyone is in a safe location, request assistance from a road service provider.

During 2016, “U.S. driving topped 3.2 trillion miles,” estimated the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Without fail, driving is expected to increase during the summer months. Before hitting the road, AAA recommends that drivers download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad, Android and Apple Watch. Travelers can use the app to request AAA roadside assistance, route a trip, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, book a hotel, and more. AAA members can also track the location of their assigned service vehicle in real time with Service Tracker. Learn more at AAA.com.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 57 million members nationwide and nearly 78,000 members in the District of Columbia.  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  https://aaa.com