COLD: In these bitter cold and snowy days, AAA East Central emergency roadside assistance has seen a surge in requests related to dead batteries, stuck vehicles, and stranded motorists. Altogether, the Club has fielded more than 37,000 service calls across its territory between Jan. 24 and 29, which is about 80% higher than typical for winter.

“Our call centers have been extremely busy this week, and there’s no sign of things slowing down,” says Jim Garrity, director of public affairs, AAA East Central. This week’s top service requests have been: Dead batteries (36%), Towing requests (34%), Extractions (18%), Tire changes/flat tires (7%), and Lockouts (4%).

Winter months can be an especially busy time for dead batteries, flat tires and vehicle extractions. 

AAA East Central offers the following tips for drivers in these conditions:

If you can, stay home. This is the best way to avoid a crash in the winter. 

Leave early. Running late to work leads to anxiety which can possibly lead to risky driving behaviors.

Slow down. Accelerate, turn, and brake as gradually and smoothly as possible. This will help maintain control in rough conditions.

Don’t tailgate. Normal following distances of three to four seconds on dry pavement should be extended to a minimum of five to six seconds when driving on slippery surfaces. The extra time will provide additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary.

Never use cruise control on slippery roads. If a vehicle hydroplanes or skids, motorists will lose the ability to regain some traction simply by lifting off the accelerator. It will be harder to recover from the loss of traction if cruise control is active.

Turn against the skid. If a car begins to skid, continue to steer in the direction you want the car to go.

Stay safe out there!