NORTHBROOK, Ill – We’ve all been there. You’re on the road just a few hours from your destination. The kids are peacefully asleep in the backseat. Soon, you’ll be in summer vacation bliss. Then it happens – the car engine sputters and shuts off. You’re stranded on the side of the road in an unfamiliar area.
A recent survey commissioned by Allstate Roadside Services found that among drivers who have experienced problems on the road, 47 percent felt overwhelmed and helpless, 62 percent admitted they became anxious, 52 percent got angry, and 36 percent said they were scared. A total of 40 percent said their first instinct was to immediately call a tow truck or roadside assistance service for help.
The survey also revealed:
- A majority or 95 percent of drivers across the United States have experienced a disabled or un-drivable vehicle on at least one occasion.
- At 74 percent, flat tires were the most common cause of roadside breakdowns.
- Forty-five percent of people surveyed blamed a mechanical breakdown for their travel woes.
- Younger drivers aged 18-29 are the most likely group to have experienced an incident within the past year (73 percent).
Allstate Roadside Services offers the following tips to help keep drivers safe and prepared:
- Make sure your car is road-ready. Before your trip, have a mechanic give your vehicle the once-over, including preventative maintenance such as an oil change, tire check, new wipers or filter replacement.
- Pack an emergency car kit. A well-equipped kit can fit in the trunk and might include a flashlight, hand sanitizer, water and energy bars.
Know who to contact for help. Keep your smartphone fully charged and your roadside assistance contact information handy.
