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Roadside Emergency Checklist

Advance Planning and Calm Decision-making Are the Keys to Successfully Reacting to Roadside Emergency Situations.

In addition to monitoring weather reports, adjusting driving styles to road conditions and keeping vehicles in top operating condition, motorists should keep the following points in mind when driving:

* Always note your vehicle’s location - Be aware of landmarks, street names, including cross streets, specific addresses and highway numbers and exits. This information is important when summoning assistance, or confirming your location to an operator. Wireless location technologies available in some vehicles don’t always work in remote areas, and in-car systems may be useless if the vehicle experiences electrical failure or it becomes necessary to exit the vehicle for a place of greater safety.

* Assess Your Vehicle’s Operating Problem – Watch for warning lights on the instrument panel and listen for odd noises, or a change in vehicle handling characteristics. Check the fuel, temperature and oil pressure gauges. Any information you can provide about what might be wrong with your vehicle will assist an emergency road service operator in sending the right equipment.

* Pull Off the Road – Immediately switch on the safety/emergency flashers. On most roads, pull on to the far right shoulder as far as possible. If your vehicle has lost power in the roadway, set the emergency brake and place flares or warning triangles well behind the vehicle -- while being extremely careful of other traffic. If there is a risk that you or your vehicle could be struck by traffic, leave your vehicle for a place of safety. Get assistance from others before attempting to push a vehicle to a safer location.

* Alert Other Motorists -- In addition to using emergency flashers or flares, raise your vehicle’s hood and tie a brightly colored handkerchief or scarf to the antenna or door handle to signal the need for assistance.

After making every effort to ensure safety for themselves, fellow passengers and other traffic, motorists should:

* Communicate the Situation – Call a trusted friend, family member or motor club for help. Make the call from inside your vehicle, if this is the safest place and a cellular telephone is available. Carefully leave the vehicle to make the call, if it is not safe to remain in the vehicle.

* Remain With the Vehicle – Generally, it is safest to remain with the vehicle until a law enforcement officer or tow truck operator arrives. If a cellular telephone is not available – or it is not operable -- do not accept a ride from a stranger. Instead, carefully walk to a nearby public phone, get the attention of a law enforcement officer or ask another motorist to make a call for you.

* What to Expect from Emergency Road Service – Road service providers can usually provide gasoline, attempt to change a tire or boost a battery. If the problem is more serious, the vehicle will need to be towed. An extra charge – paid in advance – often applies for longer distance tows.

* What to Tell the Operator – Regardless of how a road service provider is contacted, be prepared to provide a phone number, your exact location, and a description of your vehicle, including year, make, model, color and license plate number. Be able to provide your AAA membership number or insurance number, if applicable. Indicate whether you will need alternative transportation, how many passengers will need to be moved, and ask about extra towing charges. Ask for the name of a nearby, reputable repair shop, if needed. AAA has a network of facilities that have been inspected and approved.

* Determine When Service Should Arrive – The operator should be able to give you an estimated time of arrival. Depending on circumstances, including weather, time of day and location, service could take as few as 30 minutes, or as long as several hours. Check your watch and confirm the estimated time of arrival with the operator.

* What to Do When Help Arrives – Remain calm and cooperative. Verify that the driver offering assistance is the one your motor club sent to help you. Most firms have trained personnel that know what to do. Do not attempt assistance unless asked. If you need alternative transportation, ask to ride with the tow truck driver to the towing destination, or ask that alternative transportation be arranged. Do not accept a ride from a stranger.

* Know Your Road Service Provider – Having a cellular telephone or other communications device in your vehicle does not always mean you will be able to find reliable help when you need it most. Without a motor club membership, or other road service plan, it may be difficult to find an available tow vehicle and driver during times of bad weather, traffic congestion or late at night. Know what your road service coverage provides. Some plans cover only a single vehicle, have up-front fees or a deductible, expect you to arrange your own service, or require towing back to a new car dealership. AAA membership does not have these limitations or restrictions.

* Be proactive – The majority of cold-weather service calls AAA receives involve problems with vehicle electrical systems. Have your car checked over to be sure everything is in peak operating condition – before winter weather takes its toll. Consider stocking items in your car that will help you stay comfortable in the event of a breakdown – a blanket, hat, coat, gloves, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight and extra medication, if taken regularly.