Wilmington – AAA Mid-Atlantic has rescued nearly 3,000 stranded Delaware motorists, 44 percent of which were for dead car batteries, during the record-breaking bitter cold, snow and ice since the new year began. This represents a 67 percent increase in call volume and a 142 percent increase dead car battery calls over the same period in 2017. Known for its roadside service , the auto club has worked around the clock for the past week to not only help motorists crippled by the snow, but especially those whose car batteries weren’t strong enough to handle the extended “polar-like” temperatures that have blanketed the region.
AAA Mid-Atlantic Delaware Emergency Roadside Service Dispatches
Total Daily Calls January 1-8, 2018
|
Date |
Battery |
Total Calls |
|
1/1/18 |
133 |
256 |
|
1/2/18 |
187 |
368 |
|
1/3/18 |
162 |
375 |
|
1/4/18 |
35 |
201 |
|
1/5/18 |
137 |
385 |
|
1/6/18 |
155 |
321 |
|
1/7/18 |
147 |
277 |
|
1/8/18 |
232* |
486* |
|
TOTAL |
1,188 |
2,663 |
*Highest call volume for a single day in 2018
Monday, Jan. 8, saw the highest single-day call volume to AAA Mid-Atlantic in Delaware for 2018
44% of all calls to AAA Mid-Atlantic were for dead car batteries
67% increase is total calls over the same period in 2017
142% increase in dead battery calls over the same period in 2017
“Our fleet and contractors throughout the Mid-Atlantic region have been working around the clock to rescue stranded motorists, those crippled by the bitter cold weather and those impacted by last week’s snow storm,” said Jim Lardear, director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Even as requests for assistance reached record-levels across the region, our priority is always to get our members back on the road or to safety as quickly as possible.”
Battery-related assistance calls jump with periods of extreme cold. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 0°F, a car’s battery loses about 60 percent of its strength and at 32°F it loses 35 percent. During cold temperatures starting an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions. While three to five years is a typical life span, various internal and environmental conditions impact a battery’s long term health. Periodic inspection, testing, and cleaning are suggested and monitoring the use of accessories and electronic devices when your car is not running can help maximize its longevity.
“Extreme temperature shifts are hard on your vehicle, so don’t get caught off guard by the winter weather,” said Lardear. “Drivers should make sure their vehicles are prepared with proper levels of antifreeze, a strong battery, and plenty of windshield washer fluid. Also keep an emergency kit in the trunk should you run into any problems during your commute. Careful preparation is the key to weathering winters’ coldest temperatures.”
Source: AAA Mid-Atlantic