AAA assisted more than 14,500 Missouri drivers during recent winter storm

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — AAA assisted approximately 14,533 drivers across Missouri during a recent winter storm that brought heavy snow and frigid temperatures to much of the state.

AAA Emergency Roadside Service responded to calls from Jan. 24–31, marking a 24% increase in call volume compared with typical wintertime weekly averages. Monday following the storm was the busiest day for service.

Battery service, general tows and vehicle extrications were the most common reasons drivers requested assistance. The majority of snowfall occurred over the weekend, and officials said many drivers limited travel, resulting in fewer emergency calls than initially anticipated.

The highest volume of calls occurred Monday, Jan. 26, when AAA handled a combined 3,040 battery service requests and tows. Cold temperatures can significantly reduce battery performance, with a car battery losing about one-third of its power in freezing weather. Cold air also thickens engine oil, forcing batteries to work harder to start vehicles.

“It’s not uncommon for drivers to attempt to start their car days after the storm passes only to find the snow and cold has zapped the power from their vehicle’s battery,” said Nick Chabarria, a AAA spokesperson. “Having your vehicle’s battery tested if it is more than three years old can provide a good indication if it’s time for a replacement to prevent a dead battery from leaving you stranded.”

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, winter storms and slick road conditions contribute to more than 2,000 roadway deaths each year nationwide. AAA researchers found that 41% of traffic crashes and 33% of traffic deaths during winter months occur in adverse weather or on hazardous roadway surfaces.

“The heavy snowfall creates very challenging conditions not only for motorists but our service drivers as well,” Chabarria said. “We always ask that drivers slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles working along the roadside, as required by state law, especially during inclement weather.”

AAA provides automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 65 million members through a network of independently owned motor clubs and nearly 1,000 branch offices across North America.