Why does Roadside Assistance Take So Long? - Roadr (2024)

Still waiting for roadside assistance to show up? This one is for all who want to know why it takes so long.

The most anxious and worrisome moment is when you are stuck in the middle of the road or anywhere helplessly. And your automobile towing service is not coming to get you. Also, at midnight, when you are taking a turn and clip the curb, BANG! The front right tire bit the dust and went flat.

We understand how frustrating it is for you to wait for AAA roadside assistance!

If you’ve ever called roadside assistance, you probably know that it can often take too long for help to arrive. Therefore, if the company takes less time to arrive, there would be fewer undesirable consequences.

But have you ever wondered why it takes so long for them to arrive?

In this blog, we will discuss the reasons for hold-up roadside assistance. Here are a few reasons why roadside assistance can take a while. Stay connected to know more!

Labor Shortage:

AAA and industry sources say there is a delay for roadside help due to a shortage of tow truck drivers. Numerous workers stopped their jobs during the “Great Resignation” because of little wages, low-paid advantages, and unacceptable working circ*mstances.

Before the pandemic, the usual rescue time was between 20-30 minutes with fully staffed companies.

Most small towing companies left the industry during the pandemic. Because it’s difficult to recruit an adequate number of drivers: even for AAA, despite the increased demand for tows. Mostly, tow truck drivers are working overtime. As a result, you must wait longer for a prompt response to get your car fixed rapidly.

Travel Time to Your Location:

As we know, tow trucks aren’t just sitting idly in a yard waiting for customers to call them in an hour of need. Depending on the type of area you’re in, they might have to navigate traffic from the opposite side of the city to your location because they just finished helping someone else.

Moreover, many tow drivers perform more than just towing assistance services to their customers. If you’re in a more rural area, drivers could be doing other jobs at the shop or possibly are at home when you call (depending on the time of day).

They also provide lockout assistance, deliver gas when people run out, jump-start dead batteries, and sometimes get a chance to sit down for a hot meal only to be called immediately as the food arrives.

Traffic Issue:

Traffic issues are a serious threat to the tow truck drivers. Also, traffic congestion has been expanding in large parts of the world (developed or not), and everything indicates that it would keep getting worst.

On the other hand, tow truck drivers are obliged to drive slowly and require significant space to move in traffic. As a result of the extra weight, it requires more time to adjust its speed.

In situations where they need to maximize car speed to reach the spot urgently for you, there is no way a driver can avoid a horrible accident. So it’s always, Slow for the tow!

Incorrect Map Location:

This has been an issue in the past when people had GPS for the first time on their telephones. Have you ever noticed when you request food delivery, most people can’t easily tell you the right directions to their area.

Some need to have an exact idea of where they are standing relative to the map, and, even when sharing their exact location, they must avoid sharing vague descriptions of their exact location to not confuse driver.

Wrong directions consume a lot of time!

Often, people say they are waiting on the roadside but forget to explain their whereabouts precisely: whether it’s east, west, north, or south side. This makes the tow driver sit idly or drive aimlessly, searching for them.

Bad Weather:

Bad weather not only affects the standard driver, but it can also be a nightmare for tow truck operators to reach you on time.

A heavy cloud burst makes the roads extremely hard to drive.

Same goes for thick snow, which also lessens visibility. Furthermore, there is nothing worse than driving your car to immobility: be it snow banks, puddles, etc. It is very tough for the driver to have a smooth ride while the car skids on the road. Bad weather is a severe pain point to these drivers.

Bottom Line:

AAA Roadside assistance specialists (or specialist, in general) must evaluate the situation and figure out the best way to help you. It is better to keep essential tools with you: spare keys, a shovel or any other digging tool to dig up the snow to clear the pathway, etc.

Since two trucks would have to respond to one call, there are usually less available for subsequent calls. Essentially, two people doing one person’s job.

We are making things super convenient for you. Be patient. Help is on the way!

Request help now quickly

Why does Roadside Assistance Take So Long? - Roadr (2024)

FAQs

Why does roadside assistance take forever? ›

Travel Time to Your Location:

As we know, tow trucks aren't just sitting idly in a yard waiting for customers to call them in an hour of need. Depending on the type of area you're in, they might have to navigate traffic from the opposite side of the city to your location because they just finished helping someone else.

Why does AAA take so long to answer? ›

The response time varies based on various factors, including the time of day, the location of the breakdown, and the severity of the problem. Usually, it takes them about 12 minutes to show up at your location, but sometimes you have to wait up to an hour before help arrives.

How long to respond to AAA? ›

(c) The respondent may answer the demand and may also file a counterclaim. The answer must be sent to the AAA within ten calendar days after the AAA acknowledges receipt of claimant's demand.

Why does it take so long for a tow? ›

The tow truck driver must navigate through traffic, which can be unpredictable and slow-moving, especially during peak hours. The distance from the towing company to your location also matters. If you're stuck miles away from the nearest service, it'll naturally take longer. Lastly, weather plays a role, too.

Can you call AAA for roadside assistance? ›

What is the difference between roadside assistance and recovery? ›

When your mechanic arrives, they'll try to fix your vehicle there and then (otherwise known as roadside assistance). If they can't, they'll tow you to a garage (also called 'recovery') for repairs, so you won't be left stranded at the roadside.

Why is AAA towing so slow? ›

While AAA and the ICSs strive to provide prompt and efficient service at all times, note that: Delays are sometimes unavoidable due to weather, traffic or road conditions, availability, or unusual service demands.

How does Triple A make money? ›

Distribute nearly 16 million TripTik® map routings. Book 2 million car rentals. Sell nearly $4 billion in travel agency services.

How many calls can you make with AAA? ›

Each member (Primary or Associate) in your household is allowed four Emergency Road Service calls per year. (If there are two AAA members in your household, each one would be allowed four calls for a total of eight.) There is no waiting time between Roadside Assistance calls.

What is the average time for AAA arbitration? ›

How long does the process take from beginning to end? Each case is different. Most employment disputes are resolved between 120-180 days. The average length for all arbitration matters through the AAA is about 4.5 months.

How long is the average AAA arbitration? ›

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) suggests that the average AAA arbitration (for domestic and commercial disputes) is resolved within 11.6 months, while the average U.S. federal court case can take 24 months just to get to trial.

Can you appeal AAA arbitration? ›

There is no right to appeal in arbitration like there is in court. If the parties agree to use the AAA to handle the appeal, the AAA will treat the appeal like a new case filing and more fees would have to be paid. Under federal and state laws, there are only a few ways to challenge an arbitrator's award.

Does triple A work in Canada? ›

Does AAA work in other countries? Roadside services are available to AAA Members in Canada and many other parts of the world. Visit the website of the AAA-affiliated organization in the country you're planning to visit for information about coverage and benefits.

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