AAA Michigan Reports Heavy Call Volume From Stranded Motorists

Dearborn, Mich., Dec. 23, 2004 -- As expected, heavy snow this morning and its aftermath have kept AAA Michigan's Emergency Road Service operations unusually busy today.

From midnight through 5:30 p.m., the Auto Club received 3,919 calls for assistance from motorists statewide. The average call volume the club receives on a normally busy day is about 1,500. Yesterday's (December 22) volume was, 1,360.

This morning, a higher-than-usual number of calls were for winching of vehicles that slid off the road and vehicles disabled in spinout accidents.

  AAA has these winter-driving suggestions for motorists:

   * Faulty batteries cause more car starting problems than any other
     factor. At 0 degrees, a good battery has 35 percent less starting power
     than in summer. At minus 20, battery power drops 50 percent. If your
     battery is more than three years old, have a load test performed at an
     auto supply store or service station.

   * Park your car in the garage. If you have no garage, put a tarp over the
     hood or park protected from prevailing winds. To keep doors from
     freezing shut, place a plastic trash bag between the door or window
     glass and the frame.

   * Keep the fuel tank at least half-full to avoid fuel-line freeze-up.

   * To avoid frozen door locks, buy a lubricant available in most auto
     supply stores. If your lock freezes, heat your key with a pocket
     lighter but remember to wear gloves or hold the key with pliers. Or,
     fill a plastic jug with hot water. Hold it against the door panel or
     lock area. Do not throw hot water on the car. It, too, will freeze and
     you run the risk of cracking glass.

   * Before starting out, clear snow and ice from windows, roof, hood, all
     mirrors, head and taillights and wipers. Be sure your wiper washer
     reservoir is filled.

   * Carry emergency supplies in the car-boots, hats, gloves, blanket,
     jumper cables, flashlight, traction mats or kitty litter to put under
     wheels, a reflective warning triangle, a "coffee can heater" to help
     stay safe and warm.

   * Improve your visibility to other drivers by turning on your low-beam
     headlights.

   * Reduce your speed on snowy pavement. Avoid sudden starts, stops and
     hard turns and signal your intentions to turn or change lanes well in
     advance. Increase the distance between the vehicle in front of you, and
     plan an "escape route" to another lane in advance to avoid trouble.

   * Use the proper braking technique for your vehicle. Cars with anti-lock
     brakes require firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal. Cars
     without anti-lock brakes may need firm pressure on the brake pedal just
     short of wheel lockup, then easing off the brake slightly before
     reapplying pressure (see your vehicle owner's manual for correct
     braking techniques).

   * If you become snowbound, stay with your vehicle. It provides excellent
     temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
     Don't try to walk long distances. Use a cell phone to call for help.

AAA and the Michigan Towing Association remind motorists to give tow truck operators a "brake." They're there to help you. Drive with care when a tow truck's there.