5 Things To Know When AAA Is Overwhelmed By Calls

NEW YORK, NY — It's every driver's fear: You're driving alone while snow piles up around you and ice covers the roadways. The temperature is sub-zero. You're far from home. Maybe you stop to go to the bathroom and when you get back your car won't start. Or maybe you're on the road and your engine stops running for no discernible reason.

You call AAA, but you can't get through. Or they tell you it will be hours until anyone can get to you. What should you do?

The roadside service company told multiple outlets it has struggled with a deluge of service requests amid a recent bout of fierce winter weather. One report from WPRI-TV found that the recent average wait time for service in the harsh weather was four hours. On Jan. 2, AAA told WOWT-TV that roadside assistance calls were up nearly 200 percent in the Midwest.

Don't get caught unawares. Here's what you should know about road safety in light of these risks:

1. If you can't get through to AAA, call someone else.

A local tow truck company or service station may be able to provide you with help even if you can't get in touch with AAA.

Customers may be able to get refunded for payments made to local service providers if AAA was unable to meet their needs. Director of Public Affairs Beth Mosher for AAA told WLS-TV at the beginning of the month that customers who were stranded and unable to reach the company could be reimbursed if they submitted their bills for other services.

2. Check your battery ahead of time and get a replacement if necessary.

The last thing you want is to be stuck in the cold with a dead battery — which happens to be more common the lower the temperature.

"If the battery is out of warranty, it’s advisable to have it tested before cold weather hits," AAA suggested in a press release.

You should also check your battery for corrosion or loose connections. If it's been a few years since you changed the battery, consider taking your car to a technician who can check its power level before temperatures start to plunge.

3. Make sure you carry jumper cables.

If you do have battery trouble on the road, you'll be thankful to have jumper cables in the car. As long as there's another driver around to help, you may not even need to call AAA.

Here are some tips on how to jump a car safely and effectively.

4. Keep a winter safety emergency kit.

AAA recommends storing the following materials in your car at all times:

• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Window washer solvent
• Ice scraper with brush
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables
• Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves)
• Blankets
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Drinking water
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
• First-aid kit
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
• Mobile phone and car charger pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers, including family and emergency services

5. You can dial 9-1-1, but only in an emergency.

If you're truly in danger — and the winter cold can be deadly — you can always call 9-1-1 if necessary. However, make sure your situation is a genuine emergency and not merely an inconvenience before calling the authorities. Some localities also have special numbers for urgent roadside assistance.

Patch has reached out to AAA for comment and will update when we hear back from them.

Photo by Andrew Theodorakis/Getty Images