Fourth of July Busiest Travel Holiday for AAA Emergency Road Service

53 percent receive tow or battery assistance, often preventable breakdowns

Although local weather has been cooler than many would like so far this summer, AAA is expecting a significant increase in the number of motorists hitting the road this Fourth of July holiday and during the summer. Motorists are encouraged to have a vehicle maintenance check before leaving town to prevent breakdowns and a disruption in vacation plans.

In a study released last week, AAA predicted that 5.45 million travelers originating from the Pacific Region (WA, OR, CA, HI, AK) will travel 50 miles or more from home this Fourth of July holiday, an increase of 19.3 percent compared to last year. Approximately 4.72 million of these Pacific Region travelers will be going by personal automobile. Not quite the 4.88 million motorists who traveled in 2008, but our roads will be busy this weekend.

AAA cautions that the Fourth of July holiday annually marks the busiest travel holiday for emergency roadside services calls. Although temperatures aren’t expected to sizzle this holiday weekend, as the mercury rises vehicles are put to the test. Summer heat can often be much harder on a vehicle, especially the battery, than cold winter temperatures. Without preventive maintenance, the summer heat increases the likelihood of motorists experiencing a vehicle failure, leaving them unexpectedly – and dangerously – stranded on the side of the road.

Last Fourth of July holiday weekend (July 3 – 5, 2009), AAA Washington assisted 3369 motorists with breakdowns, between 250 and 280 more breakdowns than Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends last year respectively. Thirty-six percent of the members that AAA Washington assisted with emergency roadside service last Fourth of July weekend needed to have their vehicle towed. Another 17 percent needed assistance with their vehicle’s battery, a battery boost or replacement. Often vehicle breakdowns needing a tow or battery assistance can be diagnosed during a quick vehicle maintenance check at your local auto repair facility.

To decrease the likelihood of a breakdown, AAA recommends motorists have their vehicle serviced regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and identify a quality repair shop. AAA offers a free public service to help consumers find quality auto repair facilities that meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service. A list of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can be found at AAA.com/repair.

To prevent roadside emergencies and potentially expensive repairs, AAA recommends motorists have the following items checked before hitting the road:

In addition, motorists should carry an emergency kit containing a flashlight with extra batteries, warning devices, antifreeze, water, jumper cables, and first-aid supplies. Having a cell phone and charger with you makes it easier to summon roadside help or contact emergency medical or law enforcement assistance.

 

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