Prompt roadside assistance now matters more than ever, as it helps keep stranded drivers from prolonged exposure to severe, climate change-driven weather events. It also provides assurance that help will be available quickly in case of a breakdown, which is more likely to occur during severe weather.
The critical roles of emergency roadside services have become even more apparent nowadays as extreme weather events are worsening. As the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions explains, hurricanes, heavy downpours, and heat waves in the U.S. have all increased in frequency and strength.
What Exactly Is Roadside Assistance?
Roadside assistance, also known as road assist or roadside service, is an emergency service dispatched to help motorists whose automobiles have broken down on the road. The exact types or classes of vehicles each service provider caters to differ, but they generally cover:
- Standard cars and light trucks, such as sedans, minivans, and pickups
- Bicycles and motorcycles
- Motorhomes, like fifth wheels, recreational vehicles (RVs), and travel trailers
- Commercial and delivery vehicles
With emergency road service coverage, you should get help whether your car breaks down and gets stuck in your own driveway, at a grocery store, or on the highway. An experienced technician will attend to you quickly and get your ride moving again or bring it to the nearest repair shop.
What Roadside Assistance Services Are Available?
You can count on reputable roadside assistance service providers for help, whether you need your overheated car towed from a Washington, DC, highway or if you require immediate motorcycle towing in Lawrenceville, GA.
Emergency towing services are available in cases of mechanical failure that mechanics or technicians cannot resolve and fix on the site of the breakdown. In this case, they'll haul or transport your ride to a nearby repair shop or your preferred location.
Flat tire changes are another example of roadside assistance services. They're also among the most common, considering that, every seven seconds, one tire gets punctured in the U.S., data from Yahoo shows. All these incidents result in some 220 million flats each year.
Technicians also provide emergency jump-start services to cars that won't start because of dead batteries. You can even count on them to deliver emergency fuel in case you run out of gas somewhere.
Some road assist service providers also help with lockouts. They'll send a trustworthy technician your way, who'll then use advanced tools to unlock your car with little to no damage.
Why Does Prompt Roadside Assistance Matter Even More as Weather Events Worsen?
Prompt roadside assistance has become even more crucial nowadays, as inclement weather events, from extreme heat to severe cold, are occurring more frequently and are becoming more intense. Such incidents take a toll on roads and vehicles, making them more likely to break down.
The Link Between Climate Change, Roads, Vehicles, and Roadside Service
Extreme weather events are becoming more severe due to climate change, resulting in roads and motor vehicles seeing increased, hastened wear and tear.
The hotter the days are, for instance, the softer asphalt roads get, leading to deformation, rutting, and shoving. Deformed roads, unfortunately, increase the likelihood of vehicle breakdowns. Driving on them can cause issues like:
- Steering misalignment
- Uneven tire wear
- Suspension damage
Weather extremes, including exponentially high and below-freezing temperatures, can also place undue stress on vehicle components, such as batteries. Batteries can fail or even die due to extreme heat or cold, leading to road breakdowns.
There's also the risk of vehicle failures causing more road incidents, such as crashes. The likelihood of incidents occurring is even higher if the weather is already bad.
Prompt roadside assistance can help in such situations because they dispatch help right away, usually within the same hour. The goal of highly trustworthy technicians is to fix issues on the spot so that they can get you moving again as soon as possible.
In cases wherein the problem is too severe or complex for technicians to resolve, they'll take the vehicle to the nearest repair center. Depending on the coverage, they'll provide you with a rental car or taxi as your ride gets fixed.
Black Motorists, Extreme Weather, and the Need for Quality Roadside Service
Prompt roadside assistance can be of particular importance to Black motorists, as statistically, they're more likely to experience the impact of climate change-related weather events.
As a study published in PubMed Central notes, people of color, including Black communities, face higher risks of climate-related health impacts than White people. Many Black Americans also work in sectors that require prolonged driving, such as local transit and heavy truck driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Anyone Offer Free Roadside Assistance?
Yes, roadside assistance is available at no cost in certain situations, usually provided by state government agencies (e.g., Departments of Transportation or highway authorities). They help motorists whose vehicles break down on major highways and interstates, ensuring traffic keeps moving.
Can You Get Roadside Assistance Without Membership?
While there are state-provided roadside assistance programs, they're only for specific circumstances, so not everyone whose car breaks down may be eligible for them.
Fortunately, you can get roadside help without membership, usually via on-demand apps and pay-per-use services. You can get them from local mechanics and towing companies.
Many car brands also offer complimentary roadside assistance as a bonus when you buy one of their new or certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. The coverage comes as an inclusion for a certain period, ranging from one to five years, often based on the factory or powertrain warranty duration.
With brand-issued complimentary roadside assist, you usually have to call a specific number if your car breaks down and you need help. They'll contact a local service provider who'll dispatch one of their nearest technicians to your location.
Roadside Assistance Matters Now More Than Ever
Roadside assistance has become even more integral nowadays, given that climate change is making weather events worse.
As the days get hotter or colder, motorists face increased risks of vehicle failures and breakdowns. It's best to prepare for these incidents by ensuring you know who to call if you ever find yourself in such a situation.
Read up on more informative guides and the latest happenings in Black communities by checking out our platform's other news articles and coverage.
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