Dec. 22, 2011—AAA projects that more than 800,000 motorists will need roadside assistance during this year’s holiday season, Dec. 23-Jan. 2, when roughly 83.6 million people are expected to hit the roads.
AAA said its roadside service technicians will be able to remedy vehicle problems on location for roughly three out of every five stranded motorists. But the organization expects about 250,000 travelers will need a tow; the largest category of service AAA expects to provide during the holiday season.
The second largest roadside service AAA expects to provide is replacing or jump starting dead batteries. AAA said it will field more than 194,000 requests for battery assistance, and will replace more than 52,000 dead batteries.
In addition, AAA expects to retrieve more than 104,000 sets of keys locked inside vehicles, change more than 95,000 tires and perform more than 38,000 vehicle extrications during the holiday period. AAA said it will also deliver fuel to more than 11,000 stranded motorists.
"Becoming stranded on the roadway can quickly dampen your holiday spirit," said Marshall Doney, vice president of AAA Automotive. "Whether you are planning local day trips or long distance year-end holiday travel, having your vehicle properly maintained and prepared for the rigors of holiday driving will help ensure it gets you to your destination safely and without incident."
AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. For more information, visit AAA.com.
