AAA: Kansas Holiday Roadside Service Rescues Up 40% Over 2016

January 4, 2018
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AAA Kansas responded to 3,371 roadside assistance calls from members during 10-day holiday period.
TOPEKA, Kan. – Frigid temperatures coupled with record numbers of holiday road-trippers led to a 40 percent increase in AAA emergency roadside service (ERS) calls in Kansas during the 10-day holiday period from December 23, 2017 through Jan. 1, 2018, AAA Kansas says. Large volumes of help calls are continuing today, as many people return to work and school.
AAA Kansas fielded 3,371 member calls for help during the end of 2017 holidays, with towing, battery problems, flat tires and lockouts being the most common requests. During the same period a year ago, AAA Kansas responded to 2,407 roadside service requests.
“The intensely cold weather that overtook our state and much of the country right before the holidays has significantly impacted batteries, tires and other vehicle systems,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Kansas spokesman. “With the record number of travelers taking holiday trips this year, there was a much larger need for help from our emergency roadside crews. While we’re sorry that some people’s holiday travels were temporarily interrupted, it was our pleasure to provide help in getting motorists back on their way as quickly as possible to see friends and family.”
Steward noted that AAA in Kansas and in many parts of the country affected by the extreme cold is experiencing extremely high roadside assistance call volume today (Jan.2) and that call centers and roadside assistance crews are working diligently to respond with help as quickly as possible.
AAA Emergency Roadside Assistance Calls – Holiday 2016 vs. Holiday 2017
12/23
12/24
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28
12/29
12/30
12/31
1/1
Total
2016
284
177
105
308
321
274
297
303
186
152
2,407
2017
244
221
118
537
571
374
344
277
270
415
3,371
AAA Kansas’ Steward added that the frigid temperatures provide a good reminder for motorists on several car care and winter emergency preparation tips, including:
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up and to allow you to run your engine to stay warm if you are stranded and waiting for assistance
  • Pack blankets, heavy coats and other warm items, such as hats gloves and scarves, in your car along with other winter emergency kit items such as jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, drinking water and snacks
  • Always have your mobile phone, pre-programmed with rescue apps and important emergency phone numbers, and a car charger
  • Maintain key vehicle systems, especially checking the battery charge and tire inflation, as well as checking hoses and belts for wear, and installing fresh antifreeze and winter-blend windshield wiper fluid
AAA Mobile App
Motorists can access AAA roadside assistance with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to find current gas prices along their route, map a route, find discounts or book a hotel. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile.
Categories: Kansas
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