44 million Americans are estimated to choose road trips this Fourth of July weekend, according to AAA. That is a 34 percent increase compared to last year. The travel group is preparing for the number of roadside assistance calls to rise due to mostly preventable car problems.
Chis Overpeck, USAA Fleet Operations Manager, told News Center 7′s Michael Gordon next week will be less of a vacation and more of a trial by fire.
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“We are specifically geared up to what ill happen after the fourth of July holiday so after everyone is out everything will be closed over the weekend like repair shops so we expect today and Wednesday to be the big impact day,” Overpeck said.
Overpeck said the pandemic has not only effected people, but also their vehicles.
“If a vehicle has been sitting it is actually harder on the car than if it has not been driven a lot,” Overpeck said.
Battery and heat related issues are expected. Overpeck said proper maintenance is key to avoiding these issues.
Dana Woolf, former Kettering Police Officer, said he hopes drivers respect those helping AAA this holiday weekend.
“If you see them up working on a car – change lanes and get away from them,” Woolf said.