Latest news with #roadsideAssistance
The Guardian
29-06-2025
- The Guardian
The kindness of strangers: stranded on a deserted back road, three bikies swapped my busted tyre
It was late, dark and a storm was brewing. I'd been helping a friend do some work at a property in the Colo valley, north-west of Sydney, and was heading home at about 11pm. As I was driving across the Colo River Bridge, there was a sudden, loud bang. I'd hit a pothole and my front driver's side tyre had blown, just about swallowing my hatchback with it. It was 1988 and, in those days, the area around Colo was pretty rough. It was full of bikies – proper bikies, not the drug-running kind that don't even have bikes nowadays. The back roads around there are mainly deserted and can be eerie at the best of times. Pulled over on the side of the bridge, I saw a pack of bikies approaching through the rain, which was now pouring down. Just like in a movie, they pulled up around me, engines bubbling along ominously, all leather and gang colours. I thought: 'This is it – they're gonna kill me. They'll take everything I have, beat me up and chuck me over the bridge.' In those days, you didn't look at those guys twice. But just as I was contemplating how I could persuade them to spare my life, the head guy yelled out: 'Need a hand?' I said, 'Err, yes,' telling him it would be great if they could leave their lights on – I already had the jack out with the new tyre beside me, but it was too dark to see what I was doing. With the speed of a Formula One crew, three of the bikies took over, swapped the tyre, let down the jack and then tore off over the hill. I've never thought badly about bikies since – those guys were so friendly and nice. I now try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Their appearance was perfect timing. If they hadn't shown up, I would have been stuck there until morning. I'm not sure if they were Hells Angels, but to this day, I believe they were heaven sent. From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
AAA predicts busiest Fourth of July travel week ever
AAA projects that 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day this year—setting a new record for the holiday. The 2025 forecast spans two weekends, from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6, to more accurately capture travel trends. That's an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared to 2024, with families expected to use all modes of transportation — though road trips remain the most popular and affordable, according to AAA Travel. 'Following Memorial Day's record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week,' said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. AAA expects 61.6 million people will travel by car over the holiday — 1.3 million more than last 2024, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls during the holiday week. The most common issues were: Dead batteries Flat tires Running out of gas Lockouts To avoid disruptions, AAA recommends drivers get routine vehicle maintenance before hitting the road. Fuel costs may fluctuate during the travel window. While current gas prices are 40 cents lower per gallon than this time last year—the lowest since 2021 — the Atlantic hurricane season could change that. NOAA is predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season, and any storms affecting Gulf Coast oil refineries could lead to temporary price hikes. Rental car demand will also spike, with July 3 expected to be the busiest day for pick-ups, according to Hertz. Air travel is expected to hit a new high, with 5.84 million people flying over the holiday week — a 1.4% increase from 2024. Flyers will account for roughly 8% of all travelers. AAA reports the average roundtrip domestic flight will cost $810. To save money, travelers are encouraged to book flights on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Travelers choosing buses, trains, or cruises are expected to total 4.78 million, a 7.4% increase over 2024. Cruises are particularly popular around the Fourth of July, with Alaska cruises drawing major demand during this season. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: AAA predicts busiest Fourth of July travel week ever
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Dollar UAE signs strategic MoU with Emirates Roadside Assistance to elevate customer experience
Dubai, UAE: Dollar Car Rental announced a strategic alliance with Emirates Roadside Assistance, a subsidiary of Emirates Auctions, further solidifying its position as a regional leader in the car rental industry. Under this partnership, comprehensive roadside assistance services will now be available 24/7, ensuring immediate assistance in the event of a breakdown, service recovery, or accident recovery. To drastically reduce downtime and improve the overall customer experience, Emirates Roadside Assistance will serve as Dollar's committed partner for real-time recovery and support services. Marwan Almulla, General Manager of Dollar Car Rental, said, 'This partnership reaffirms our commitment to offering innovative, client-focused solutions. Collaborating with Emirates Roadside Assistance allows us to offer faster support and smoother services, making our customers' journeys safer, easier, and more worry-free.' 'At Emirates Roadside Assistance, we're committed to offering our clients and partners reliable and effortless support. With this collaboration with Dollar Car Rental, we aim to provide 24/7 roadside assistance throughout the UAE, ensuring safety for all, quick response times, and enhanced service experiences.', said HE Abdulla Matar Al Mannaei, Chairman of Emirates Roadside Assistance. Dollar's strategic initiatives aim to strengthen its position as a regional leader in the car rental sector by broadening and improving its service offerings. This collaboration is a prime example of Dollar's continuous attempts to raise customer satisfaction and service efficiency in an increasingly competitive sector. About Emirates Roadside Assistance: Emirates Roadside Assistance is the largest roadside support company in the Middle East and one of the most trusted names in the UAE for vehicle recovery and emergency services. The company provides fast, professional, and 24/7 assistance across all seven emirates, offering a wide range of services including vehicle towing, battery replacement, tire repair, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. In recent years, the company has witnessed rapid growth in its service coverage and operational scale, driven by a strong focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence. With a fleet of over 750 fully equipped recovery vehicles and a 24/7 customer support center, Emirates Roadside Assistance ensures timely response and nationwide reach. The company leverages AI-powered technologies to improve dispatch speed, optimize routing, and analyze operational data to continually enhance performance and service quality. Emirates Roadside Assistance also offers a smart mobile application that allows customers to request services, track their assigned vehicle in real-time, and receive support with just a few taps—reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and customer convenience in the digital age. Serving both individuals and corporate fleets, the company adheres to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and technological innovation—making it the go-to partner for millions of motorists across the UAE and the wider region. Headquarters: United Arab Emirates Core Services: Roadside assistance, vehicle towing, battery and tire services, emergency fuel delivery, lockout support Fleet Size: Over 750 recovery vehicles Service Coverage: Nationwide – all seven emirates Availability: 24/7 – 365 days a year Website: Phone: 800666666 About Dollar Car Rental UAE Dollar Car Rental, a globally recognized leader in the rental car industry, operates with a commitment to providing exceptional customer service and a high-quality fleet of vehicles. Whether for leisure or business travel, Dollar ensures a seamless experience for all customers with its convenient locations nationwide and worldwide. Dollar Car Rental UAE is proud to collaborate with top-tier brands such as Pepsi, Mai Dubai, RTA, ZULAL, NFPC, Aramex, Carrefour, and more. As a trusted partner in total transportation solutions, Dollar helps these companies reduce fleet management costs, improve fleet compliance, and achieve tailored business goals through customized vehicle builds and flexible leasing options. With one of the largest and most diverse fleets in the UAE, Dollar Car Rental is the ideal choice for businesses requiring reliable transportation of valuable or perishable goods, offering long-term leasing options up to 5+ years. For more information, please visit: For media inquiries, please contact Matrix PR: Krishika Mahesh: krishika@ Jazlynn Lobo: jazlynn@
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Aussies warned of steep $1,684 fines as road rule shake-up arrives: 'New era'
Transport authorities have declared a "new era" on southern roads, as sweeping new rules come into force this week to better protect roadside service and recovery crews. From this week, South Australian drivers are legally required to slow down to 25km per hour when passing any stationary vehicle displaying flashing amber lights, as fresh road rules come into effect. The changes mark a significant expansion of previous legislation, which until now applied only to emergency vehicles such as police, fire and ambulance services. The broadened rule now includes the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAA) patrols, tow trucks and other breakdown and roadside assistance vehicles actively working on the roadside. "RAA welcomes this new law that will make it safer for drivers when their vehicle breaks down, as well as RAA Patrols and Tow Truck drivers doing their job," a spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. "Along with the state government, RAA has been running an education campaign across various channels to raise awareness of the new law. RAA attends to approximately 950 callouts per day on SA roads, and the roadside can be dangerous for both members whose vehicles have broken down and RAA workers trying to do their job." The update follows years of advocacy from the RAA's "Slow Down for Yellow Too" campaign, which has argued that roadside recovery crews face the same life-threatening risks as first responders when attending breakdowns and accidents on busy roads. Senior Manager of Safety, Charles Mountain, welcomed the reforms, branding them "a new era of safety for frontline workers and the hundreds of stranded drivers who rely on their help each day". 😤 Drivers 'fed up' after little-known act sparks fine warning 🚘 Aussie driver reveals 'surprising' way he got out of $410 seatbelt fine 💰 Little-known parking tactic used by councils to catch out Aussie drivers The penalties for failing to comply are steep and are tiered depending on the level of speeding. Drivers caught exceeding the new 25km/h limit by under 10km/h face fines starting at $202 and two demerit points. For more severe breaches — over 30km/h above the limit — fines climb to $1,684 along with seven demerit points. The rule applies across all lanes on multi-lane roads, though vehicles travelling in the opposite direction on divided roads are not required to comply. The law is underpinned by stark statistics. Between 2019 and early 2025, 23 serious safety incidents or near misses were recorded involving drivers who failed to reduce speed near roadside breakdowns. In some cases, patrol vehicles were struck or traffic cones and warning equipment destroyed—dangerous events that could have ended in tragedy. The new rule is only triggered when amber lights are actively flashing, typically from rotating beacons or roof-mounted light bars. Vehicles that use amber lights but are not covered under this legislation—such as garbage trucks, council utility vehicles or construction equipment—are governed by temporary reduced speed limits when signage is in place. With this legislative change, South Australia aligns itself with other states — New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia — which have already introduced similar protections for recovery and service personnel. Authorities say the move is not just a legal change, but a cultural one, reinforcing the idea that slowing down and being alert could be the difference between life and death. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Things to keep in mind if you have Memorial Day travel plans
BRIDGEPORT, (WBOY) — Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, AAA is giving travelers advice ahead of their potentially long trips to and across north central West Virginia. According to AAA East Central, the region is expecting to see increased traffic on roads next Thursday and Friday (May 22-23), and Director of Public Affairs Jim Garrity stated that traffic will also pick up the following Sunday and Monday (May 25-26), as people begin making their way back home. 'If you're gonna be one of the more than 45 million people who are traveling for Memorial Day, it would [be] behoove of you to try to avoid some of that traffic,' said Garrity. 'Especially if you're going around any major metro area, any major city.' Garrity told 12 News that some of the main calls AAA East Central receives are for dead batteries, flat tires, as well as towing at the side of the road for sometimes preventable issues. With that being said, Garrity recommends getting your car looked at, adding that now's a good time of the year to address all of the damage that winter does to vehicles. He recommended getting salt from underneath your car, as well as getting your oil and car battery checked. 'Especially in this area, if your battery's older than two or three years, get your battery tested, get your oil checked, get your fluids topped off before you hit the road,' he added. According to Garrity, AAA is currently prepared to rescue a couple hundred thousand people nationwide over Memorial Day weekend. He also told 12 News that AAA is expecting to see a record amount of people hitting the roads this year. 'Get out early. Give yourself plenty of time because giving yourself that extra hour out the door–worst case scenario, you get to where you wanted to get exactly on time,' said Garrity. 'Best case scenario, you might get there a little early.' West Virginia Strawberry Festival 2025: Full schedule Garrity added that by allotting yourself that extra time, you're saving yourself from stress that could lead to dangerous choices on the road. He stated that this stress can lead to behaviors such as road rage, tailgating, speeding, obscene gestures on the road, etc. Travelers who are heading north towards Pittsburgh or heading south towards Charleston should expect to see increased traffic around Memorial Day. 'You could expect to see traffic the closer you get to where there's more people, but with a record amount of people heading out over the Memorial Day weekend, expect that you're gonna run into traffic no matter where you are so that you do give yourself that extra time,' Garrity stated. He added that even if you're traveling locally, there's still a good chance that you could run into traffic. 'There's gonna be a lot of people on the road […] Take the last couple Memorial Days, add more people,' said Garrity. 'That's what you can expect on the road, according to our AAA research.' For anyone who's planning to travel by car during Memorial Day weekend, it's recommended to pack items for everyone that's going to be in the car, taking into account anything they may need if you end up in the car for a long time. Garrity recommends bringing non-perishable food items, bottles of water, entertainment for children, phone chargers and your AAA card, as well as some mechanical items that can help get your car back on the road or to the nearest repair shop. Over Memorial Day weekend, Garrity added that there will be an influx of things like police, firefighters, EMS, construction workers and tow truck drivers. He stated that no matter where you are in America, it's important to be mindful of the Move Over law, adding that all 50 states have some version of it. 'They wanna go home to see their families and they wanna go home to celebrate Memorial Day with them,' Garrity added. He shared with 12 News that a good rule of thumb is when coming across someone working roadside or who's stranded, move over and if you can't, slow down at least. 'AAA research is crystal clear that speed can be the difference between life and death,' said Garrity. 'Way too often at AAA, we see preventable crashes where people die because maybe someone wasn't paying attention behind the wheel and they didn't move over when they should've.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
