Perhaps one of the most recognizable services AAA offers its members is emergency roadside assistance. AAA Western and Central New York has fleet operations in Buffalo and Syracuse, along with a large network of contractors across the region. AAA uses two types of vehicles to service motorists in need, the light service truck and the tow truck.

I had the opportunity to ride along in a light service truck with experienced AAA driver John Strom to assist AAA members with their battery needs. A dedicated technician who aims to help under any circumstances, John seamlessly handled all issues on our ride.

When the first call resulted in a vehicle that did not respond to multiple jumps, John contacted dispatch for the member and escalated the call to a tow service. And as a reminder that your AAA membership also works across the border, John also assisted a Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) member who was visiting the U.S. and experienced car trouble.

For every call, AAA dispatchers and roadside technicians always ensure that the members, and any passengers, are in a safe location. Safety being our number one concern, AAA wants to remind all drivers of the steps to take when you’re experiencing a roadside emergency:

• Stay calm & assess: don’t panic, signal, slow down and cautiously pull over onto the road’s shoulder to assess the problem, don’t exit the vehicle and don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 if necessary.
• Observe your location: take note of your surroundings and location, and if you are near highway exits, cross streets, or road markers. And if possible, stop your car in a well-lit area.
• Pull off the road: when possible, pull over on the far-right shoulder of the road as far away from traffic as possible, and stay on level ground. If you experience an emergency on a highway, and must pull over on the left shoulder, again, be sure to pull over as far as possible, and stay in the vehicle. And if you lose power, the vehicle is inoperable, and you can’t pull over, turn on your emergency flashers, and stay in your vehicle.
• Use flashers: this will alert other drivers you are experiencing an emergency and that your vehicle is not moving. This will also make it easier for the AAA technician to find your car on the road.
• Contact AAA: call 1-800-222-4357, visit AAA.com to place a service call online, or use the mobile app.
• Stay in your vehicle: it is always best to remain in your car, to avoid being struck, unless the vehicle is on fire or you need to clear the tailpipe of snow. Do not attempt to push your car and place yourself in traffic.

Does your AAA membership provide the coverage you need? Make you sure your membership includes the tow mileage and benefits you need!

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