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Preparing Young Drivers For Driving

August 30, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

Does your family have a new driver? Before handing them your car keys, be sure to have all of the information you need on what all the legal requirements are for new drivers that must be met before obtaining their first driver’s license. From getting a driver’s permit to obtaining auto insurance for a young driver, there is so much that your teenager needs to become familiar with before he or she gets behind the wheel and starts driving.

The Learner’s Permit

Most states require that new teen drivers, in particular, obtain a learner’s permit. The specific age at which a teenager can receive a learner’s permit does vary from one state to the next; however, the minimum age for getting a learner’s permit in most states is 15 years old. Obtaining a learner’s permit and passing the classroom part of driver’s education go hand in hand. After your teenager has finished the class, then they can take the written test. After passing the written test and obtaining a learner’s permit certificate, your son or daughter can then apply at your local DMV office to get their learner’s permit.

Keep in mind that obtaining a learner’s permit is only the first step in a long process of obtaining a driver’s license. In many states, a teenage driver is required to have their learner’s permit for as long as 6 to 12 months before they are allowed to get their driver’s license.

Supervised Driving Times

Each state will have its requirements that teen drivers have to meet, but once the learner’s permit is obtained, a majority of states require that your teenager achieves a certain amount of supervised driving hours. Supervised driving is designed to help teens feel more comfortable driving on the roads as well as improve how knowledgeable they are of the various roadway laws.

Applying For A Driver’s License

Once a learner’s permit has been obtained, and enough time has been put behind the wheel, then a teenager can finally apply to get a driver’s license. Many states, however, have instituted a provisional license program that limits how much access teenagers have to the roads, or there are other restrictions placed on young drivers, like passenger restrictions and nighttime driving. New drivers may also be required to perform a road test. Make sure that you check with the local DMV office to find out what is required for your teenager.

Obtaining Insurance

It is of particular importance to have the right car insurance if you have an inexperienced or young driver as a member of your household. Make sure that you remember to add your teenager to your insurance just as soon as she or he gets her license. Also, any vehicles that your teenagers might be driving will need to be added to your insurance policy to ensure coverage. Speak with your auto insurance company to make sure that your vehicles and teenager are covered.

Roadside Assistance

New young drivers, like to enjoy their new found freedom perhaps a little too much. Make sure you have roadside assistance coverage from Best Roadside Service for your teenager’s vehicle to make sure they are safe and taken care of in the event of a breakdown.

Tips To Stay Safe On Your Motorcycle

August 25, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

Riding a motorcycle is a great way to save on gas while having fun. If you have ever ridden a motorcycle before, you are well aware of the fact that bikes are more dangerous than cars. Did you know that motorcyclists were 30 times more likely to die in a crash compared to individuals who ride in cars? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a study that showed how much more dangerous bikes are. This study also found that half of these deaths occurred when a single vehicle crashes.

Riding is even more dangerous for older individuals. Motorcycles are becoming more popular among individuals over the age of 60. However, riding is more dangerous because of slower reflexes, brittle bones, poor eyesight and other factors. When involved in a crash, individuals over the age of 60 are three times more likely to end up in the hospital.

It is true that many motorcyclists never get into a crash. You can lower your risks by preparing yourself for this possibility and by following a few safety tips. According to the IIHS, 48% of fatalities recorded in 2010 were linked to speeding and 42% of fatalities were linked to alcohol consumption. You can greatly reduce your risks by respecting speed limitations and by avoiding alcohol when you ride.

It is also important to choose a bike you are comfortable with. If you are new to riding motorcycles or haven’t been on one in years, you will find that there are some very powerful bikes available. Even small-displacement engines are a lot more performing than they used to be.

Look for a motorcycle adapted to your size. Your feet should be flat on the ground when you are seated. If you have to tiptoe, you need a smaller bike. You should be able to easily reach the handlebars and the different controls. You should be able to easily get on and off the stand. If the bike feels too heavy, look for a lighter model. If you are new to riding bikes or just want something you can commute with, a bike with a 250 or 300cc engine is a good choice. The 500 to 700cc range is more adapted for highway riding. Take a look at our report on motorcycle reliability and satisfaction before choosing a bike.

You can make your bike safer with antilock brakes. These brakes are compatible with many different models and could save your life. A report compiled by the IIHS shows that riders with ABS brakes are 37% less likely to get into a fatal crash. Antilock brakes are more efficient and make your bike safer regardless of the kind of bike you have or of your riding habits.

Your brakes might lock if you have to stop in a panic. You will end up losing your steering control and could crash your motorcycle. Skidding and crashing is very dangerous and will likely result in injuries. You can panic stop with ABS brakes while retaining steering control. This will really make a difference if you have to stop on a slippery road.

Most high-end motorcycles come with ABS brakes. Adding antilock brakes to your bike should only cost a few hundreds. Besides, you should be able to qualify for an insurance discount once you upgrade your motorcycle. These brakes are definitely worth it!

Think about signing up for a class so you can get some practice and learn about safe riding. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers riding courses in many states but there are other options available. These classes will teach you how to be safe while riding and you can choose to take a more advanced class if you have been riding for a while. You will learn about evasive emergency manoeuvres that could save your life in a dangerous situation. Some classes are free while some cost up to $350. Some classes will qualify you for a discount on your insurance policy, and taking a safety class means you might be able to skip the road test or the written test to obtain your license in some states. Some manufacturers and dealerships also offer a credit towards a safety class when you purchase a new bike. Check the MSF website to find out more about the classes offered and to find a location in your area. There are over 2,700 locations so you should easily find one in your area.

Even though it is legal to ride without a helmet, doing so considerably increases your risks of sustaining serious injuries. Riding without a helmet makes you 40% more likely to sustain a fatal head injury if you are involved in a crash. It also makes you three times more likely to sustain brain injuries.

The states of Texas and Arkansas saw a respective increase of 31% and 21% in motorcycle fatalities after repealing the helmet law. Orly Acitzur is a neurologist and a medical adviser for Consumer Reports. He explains that repealing helmet laws is not in the best interest of motorcyclists. Helmets can protect the skull and the brain from trauma or at least mitigate injuries, which is why not wearing one is an unsafe practice.

Choose a full-face helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. These helmets will have a DOT certification sticker. You can easily find a comfortable and lightweight helmet that will protect you. Riding with a helmet will also reduce noise and wind fatigue. Avoid riding with an old helmet since they can deteriorate over the years. Ideally, you should replace your helmet once every five years or more often if you are involved in a crash. The Snell Memorial Foundation has conducted some tests and set some safety standards for helmets. This foundation recommends that you replace your helmet at least once every five years due to ageing, exposure to chemicals and hair oil and because new helmet designs and stronger materials will be available.

Invest in the right gear for riding. Wearing jeans, a T shirt and some open shoes increases your risks. Look for gear that will protect you from road rash, debris, bugs and wind chill. A leather or a reinforced jacket is a must-have. You should also invest in some gloves, footwear that will protect your ankles and always wear full pants. You can find jackets with rugged padding and lightweight materials to protect you while providing you with the ventilation you need in the summer. You should also wear goggles or rely on your helmet visor to protect your eyes. Eyeglasses or your bike’s windscreen won’t be enough. Look for brightly-colored gear to be more visible. Some crashes are the results of a car driver not being able to see a motorcycle.

Adopt defensive driving attitude. The University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research studied motorcycle crashes and found that car drivers were responsible in 60% of cases. You need to be on the lookout for distracted drivers when you ride. A lot of drivers are making phone calls or even texting when they drive. Look for cars that might switch lanes without any warning or for cars pulling in front of oncoming traffic. Avoid tailgating and make sure you always have enough space to safely stop. Being too close to the car in front of you means you might not be able to stop on time or might not see an object on the road.

Avoid riding your bike if the weather is bad. Driving on a slippery road increases your risks of getting into a crash. Rain reduces your visibility and makes it hard to stop quickly. Cornering can also be an issue since your tires won’t have the same grip. Be very careful if you have to ride in bad weather. Rain causes oil residues to rise to the surface of the road, which is why conditions are always slippery when the rain first starts. If you have to ride in windy conditions, anticipate the potential push from the wind. You will be safer if you ride on the side of the lane since the wind won’t push you into the other lane.

Road hazards like wet leaves, pebbles or sand are more dangerous for a motorcycle because there is less contact with the road. Your bike might slide if you enter in contact with one of these road hazards. Look for bumps, potholes and other damages. If you can’t avoid a road hazard, your best option is to slow down as much as you can. Reduce steering input as much as possible to avoid losing control. If you have to go over railroad tracks or a similar obstacle, adopt a right angle to avoid skidding.

Always check your bike before going on a ride. You should check that your lights, turn signals and horn are working properly. Inspect the brakes, shaft, belt and chain as well. Look for signs of wear on the tire and check the pressure when needed. Motorcycle mechanics say they often see bikes with worn-out brakes and with tires that are not properly inflated. These things make your bike unsafe. Handling your bike is more difficult if the tires are not properly inflated and you might not be able to steer your bike to avoid road hazards.

Perform Efficient Vehicle Inspections

August 23, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

Vehicle inspections taken both before and after trips can benefit fleets of all types and sizes. It is important for fleet managers to provide the necessary training, so that fleet drivers understand what needs to be assessed and how to figure out if there is anything wrong with their vehicle.

Knowing where and what to look for and understanding what the differences are between a vehicle encountering several issues, like low tire pressure, and a properly functioning one can help to not only avoid vehicle breakdowns but also save a driver’s life potentially.

Becoming Familiar With The Vehicle

For a fleet driver to perform a proper vehicle inspection, the individual needs to be familiar with her or his vehicle. New driver orientation is the best time for getting fleet drivers familiar with their vehicles. If this step is part of the driver orientation program, drivers who are new will become familiar with the vehicle as well as gauge how their driving habits might change, based on the purpose and size of the vehicle.

The better care the drivers take of their vehicles, the longer both the parts and vehicle will last. It also helps to reduce the likelihood that fleet drivers will get into crashes. For example, if a fleet driver has to use the brakes while traveling at a high rate of speed, then it would be nice knowing that the breaks will be dependable.

It is critical to set a routine for fleet drivers to conduct both pre- as well as post-trip vehicle inspections. In order for fleet drivers to remember how to perform these inspections, the routine should be a checklist that is somewhere between seven and nine steps. Inspections will soon become a habit as the fleet driver continues to complete the checklist daily.

It is also helpful to test the knowledge that a fleet driver has about proper vehicle inspection. That will demonstrate to fleet managers whether or not drivers are performing the inspections and checking all of the key components.

Identifying The Places To Look

Drivers should familiarize themselves with the vehicle so they can learn where all of the key components are as well as what to look for if they need repair. Drivers should perform an in-cab, walk-around, and engine compartment check as part of your efficient vehicle inspection. If necessary, they should also make sure their cargo is secured.

A fleet driver should always keep a flashlight, a pair of gloves, tire depth gauge and tire pressure gauge in their vehicle. Keeping these tools in the vehicle will help speed up the inspection process. If the fleet driver wants to check the tire treads on their vehicle and doesn’t have a tire depth gauge, then a penny may be used as an alternative indicator. The penny will need to be inserted into the tread groove of the tire with the Lincoln head upside down, facing the fleet driver who is inspecting the vehicle. If the fleet driver can see Lincoln’s entire head, then that means there is less than 2/32 inch of the tire tread, and the tires will need to be replaced right away.

Commercial Roadside Assistance

Emergencies can happen. So it’s important that your business maintains commercial and fleet roadside assistance to make sure that your trucks are running again in no time. Contact Best Roadside Service today for your free quote.

How To Be A Better Backseat Driver

August 18, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

There’s nothing like packing up some food and filling up your tank and hitting the road with your friends. However, when it comes to driving long distance, a car full of people can make the ride a little bit of a nuisance. Not only that, but there is a study out there that found that backseat drivers are responsible for one in every seven accidents.

It may be fun to be out on the road with friends, but if you are a passenger, then you may be doing things that distract the driver. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that there were three distractions you should be aware of, regardless if you’re the one driving or riding along as the passenger. Those distractions included cognitive, manual and visual.

If you’re a passenger in a car, then you may be distracting the driver or contributing to it. There are a few common scenarios we will discuss. Afterwards, you’ll know how to be a better backseat driver.

1. Let GPS Do Its Job- Don’t be the type of backseat driver that gives directions. We all have been there, driving quietly when all of a sudden someone else in the car tells the driver they are going the wrong way. This can be a major distraction for the driver.

When you’re the passenger, you need to keep in mind that the driver probably knows where they are going. If they ask for help, then go ahead and tell them where you guys are. Other than that, just enjoy the ride and let their GPS do its job.

2. The Passenger That Snacks- Eating is both a manual and visual distraction. In fact, eating and driving increases the chances of an accident happening by up to 80 percent. Not only that, but near-miss crashes caused by drivers eating and driving are quite high.

Sure, your favorite snacks may be small and can fit into the cup holder, but you don’t want to get in the habit of sharing your snacks with others in the car. If you try to feed the driver or toss snacks into their mouth, then this is a recipe for disaster. If you get food and you don’t want it to get cold, then get a seat warmer and place the food on that and not on your lap.

3. The DJ Backseat Driver- Headbanging music may be what you’re used to listening at the gym, but your driver may not be a fan of it. They might not like the volume all the way up. What this means is you want to be mindful of the type of music you turn on and how loud you put it.

One study showed that the driver’s ability to drive can be impacted by the type of music that is being played and how loud it is. When drivers listen to music, then they can become distracted, especially if the music is at a high volume. With that said, you might be wondering exactly what you can do if you’re the passenger.

What you can do is keep the music low and don’t keep changing the channels on the radio. Don’t ask the driver to keep changing the channels because this can make things even more distracting. Play it safe and don’t touch the radio and don’t turn the volume all the way up.

4. The Athlete- Maybe you’ve just been to a game and now you’re all hyped up and for some reason or another you feel necessary to act like an athlete inside the car. This is a horrible idea and don’t even think about tossing around an object in the backseat because these things can make the driver feel anxious. They may end up losing control of the vehicle. With that said, wait until you guys reach your destination before you get into play mode and start acting like an athlete.

5. The Photographer- Are you the type of person who thinks everything and anything is Instagram worthy because if so, then you are probably distracting the driver with all the photos you snap along the way. There’s nothing wrong with taking photos, but just make sure the car ride isn’t affected by it. If possible, try to take photos while being quiet.

What you don’t want to be doing is shouting when you drive by something you want to take a photo of. Don’t jump out of your seat either because these things can cause the driver to panic and suddenly hit the breaks. This can lead to a major accident, so do your best to be mindful and quiet when snapping pictures along the way. If you see something and you want to tell the driver, then feel free to tell them, but don’t shout at them from out of nowhere.

Do you want to be a better backseat driver? Of course you do. All you have to do is keep the above tips in mind the next time you and your friends decide to hit the road.

Road Assistance Tips For The Heat

August 16, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

As Americans brace themselves for potential record level temperatures across the country during the hottest summer months, drivers are encouraged to prepare their vehicles for the excessive heat.

Six key areas should be addressed by drivers to help ensure that their vehicles survive the summer temperatures:

1. Clean and Secure Auto Batteries

Vibration and heat are your battery’s two worst enemies and can lead to internal breakdown and eventual failure. Although there isn’t much that drivers can do about the temperature, they can ensure that their batteries are mounted securely into place to minimize the vibration. Quickly evaporating battery fluid is another potential problem in the summer, which leads to corrosion on the connections and terminals. Clean off any corrosive build-up of the cable clamps and battery terminals, and make sure the clamps stay tight enough so that they don’t move.

2. Ensure That Your Engine Stays Cool

The job of the cooling system is to prevent the motor from overheating. Also, additives inside of the coolant protect the internal engine components and radiator against corrosion and wear. Improperly maintaining your vehicles cooling system increases the chances of long-term engine damage. Many of the cooling system components are made of rubber and are susceptible to extreme heat. Inspect drive belts and hoses for soft spots and cracking. Replace worn parts as they are more likely to fail when the weather is hot.

3. Minimize Risk Of Blowouts

When you drive with underinflated tires, it not only affects the braking and handling of a car, but it can also result in the tires overheating and increase the chances of a blowout, especially when the road temperatures are hot. Check vehicle tires (especially those on vehicles not driven on a regular basis) for inflation level and inflate them to the air pressure that the vehicle manufacturer recommends not the number that appears on the tire sidewall.

4. Stay Hydrated

Your car’s engine fluids are critical for keeping it running smoothly. A majority of fluids lubricate and acts as coolants through helping to carry away heat from critical components. Whenever there are low fluid levels, the potential for overheating increasing. Check all fluids including; brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and motor oil; and fill to the proper levels if necessary.

5. Keep Cold Air Coming

In the extreme summer heat, having an air conditioning system that operates properly isn’t just a convenience it is a necessity. If the air conditioning on a car isn’t maintaining the proper interior temperature as it did in the past, then it might mean the level of freon in the air conditioner is low, or there could be another issue. Have a certified technician check your air conditioning system.

Air conditioning systems can fail even when properly maintained; therefore, drivers should never leave kids or pets in a car even when it is running. During the intense summer heat temperatures in a car can quickly top 100 degrees leading to tragic results in a matter of minutes. When running errands always take your kids in with you. If you cannot bring your pets into businesses with you, it is better to leave them home then in a vehicle.

6. Be Prepared in Case of a Breakdown

Keep a well-stocked emergency kit inside your vehicles. These kits should include basic repair tools, flashlights and extra batteries, safety cones and road flares, blankets, non-perishable food items, and water.

Even a well-maintained vehicle can experience an occasional breakdown. Flat tires, mechanical failures, lockouts, lost keys, and accidents can happen no matter how old, or new, your car is. Emergency roadside assistance plans can eliminate costly tows and cover expenses for lost keys or lockouts, running out of gas, and dead batteries. Purchasing a plan through Best Roadside Service includes benefits such as fluid top offs, fuel delivery, flat tire service, and lost key and lockout service. Additionally, with a quick call to an emergency hotline all your service provider needs can be located in one place, and with the right plan, fast response times will eliminate wait time. One call to Best Roadside Service will have help on the way quickly, and with an average response time of just 34 minutes get you out of the heat before you have a meltdown.

Five Most Common Reasons Drivers End Up Stranded On The Side Of A Road

June 2, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

As a driver, no one wants to be stranded on the side of the road; however, most of us end up there sooner or later. The following are the top five reasons that drivers end up stranded, and the steps you can take to decrease your chances of ending up there.

Flat Tires

Drivers often encounter debris on highways and roads in need of repair. Additionally, vehicle owners often wait to do preventative maintenance on their cars. Unmaintained roadways and tires can lead to and increased risk of blowouts and flat tires. To reduce this risk, drivers can take the following steps:

1) Check your tire pressure on a regular basis and keep the proper amount of air in your tires.
2) Rotate your tires so they are kept in top condition.
3) Keep your eyes directly on the road and avoid running over such hazards as road debris and potholes.
4) Keep a spare tire inside of your car. Also, consider purchasing run-flat tires. These enable you to drive on a flat for several miles.

Running Out of Gas

It can be inconvenient when you are in a hurry and need to fill up, but it is nothing compared to having to wait on the side of the road if you run out of gas. In order to avoid running out of gas, keep your tank at least 1/4 full. When you are traveling, top of your tank when you make a stop; even if you still have plenty of fuel. If you have an unreliable fuel gauge keep track of your mileage instead of guessing and avoid being left on the side of the road.

Car Battery Problems

While it is unusual to have a break down due to a battery issue while driving, once you stop your vehicle and turn it off battery problems can leave you stranded. A few simple tips can keep your battery in top shape, and hopefully keep you on the road.

1) Don’t keep your car running when it isn’t necessary, especially if all you are doing is running the radio or air conditioning.
2) Turn your lights off (interior and exterior) each time you leave your vehicle.
3) Change your battery every five years, even if you haven’t had any problems.

Vehicle Overheating

It can be a scary experience when your car overheats, especially if it starts smoking. Check all of your fluid levels regularly and make sure they are at the level recommended in your owner’s manual. If your car starts to overheat, turn on the heat in your car to remove heat from the engine until you are able to safely pull over on the side of the road.

Brake Problems

While being stranded on the side of the road can be a pain, its nothing compared to the risk you take when you drive a car with weak brakes. Brake problems could lead to serious and potentially fatal accidents. Brake pads should be changed according to the dealer’s recommended schedule, and any brake problems you have should be repaired immediately. If your vehicle is braking slowly or won’t brake at all, immediately pull over. Don’t attempt to drive your car a couple more miles or try to get home, since brakes may give out any time. You could end up suffering fatal or catastrophic injuries if you are unable to stop, especially on the highway.

Even a well-maintained vehicle can experience an occasional breakdown. Flat tires, mechanical breakdowns, lockouts, lost keys, and accidents can happen no matter how old, or new, your car is. Emergency roadside assistance plans can eliminate costly tows and cover expenses for lost keys or lockouts, running out of gas, and dead batteries. Purchasing a plan through Best Roadside Service includes benefits such as fluid top offs, fuel delivery, flat tire service, and lost key and lockout service. Additionally, with a quick call to an emergency hotline all your service provider needs can be located in one place, and with the right plan, fast response times will eliminate wait time. One call to Best Roadside Service will have help on the way quickly with an average response time of just 34 minutes.

As a driver, no one wants to be stranded on the side of the road. Following the tips above can go a long way towards decreasing your chances of being stranded, and purchasing emergency roadside assistance coverage will leave you with total protection.

The Benefits of Commercial Roadside Assistance Plans

June 1, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

If you are a business owner whose business relies on commercial vehicles, a commercial roadside assistance plan is a necessity. Anytime a vehicle becomes stranded it can endanger an employee’s safety and create a financial loss for your company. Commercial roadside service plans reduce these risks by offering a number of benefits.
Mechanical Repairs and Towing

Oftentimes, a breakdown is caused by a mechanical failure. A commercial roadside assistance plan covers many of the issues that result from mechanical breakdowns. Roadside service providers are able to do minor repairs wherever the vehicle breaks down. If more extensive repairs are needed, the vehicle will need to be towed to a mechanic for repairs. Even the most basic commercial roadside plans typically include emergency towing. Most plans cover towing within a five to ten mile range (depending on your plan) free of charge; and will tow further if desired for an additional fee.

Jump Starts

Another common issue that can cause a breakdown is battery failure. Oftentimes, all you need is a jump start. With a commercial roadside service plan, a vehicle will arrive at your location and “give you a jump start.” This jump start will allow you or one of your employees to safely drive to a mechanic and have your battery checked to see if it needs to be replaced.

Flat or Damaged Tires

When a vehicle experiences a flat tire or damaged tire, drivers typically need to put on the spare. If your fleet vehicles have spares roadside service providers can assist your drivers with changing the tire, particularly in areas where safety might be an issue (the side of a highway for example). Oftentimes, commercial vehicles do not have spares and tires can be too large to change on location. If that is the case, commercial roadside assistance plans ensure you have towing coverage to get your fleet vehicles where they need to be to have a replacement tire installed.

Vehicle Lockouts

Nobody is perfect. One of the most common calls for roadside assistance is a vehicle lockout. Commercial roadside assistance plans offer lockout service, to get your employees back on the road quickly. For some commercial roadside companies this is an optional service; check your plan to ensure that it includes this coverage.

Fuel, Oil or Water Delivery Service

Being stuck without oil, fuel, or water can be a dangerous situation for a driver. In fact, it is among the most challenging problems that a driver can encounter during a breakdown. When there is a commercial roadside assistance plan covering a commercial vehicle, service providers deliver emergency supplies of water, oil, or gasoline to get your vehicles up and running.
If you’re a business owner that relies on fleet vehicles keeping them on the road is essential to keeping your business running. The benefits of having a roadside assistance plan for your fleet vehicles keeps your business running smoothly and your employees on the road. Commercial and fleet roadside service plans provide 24/7 coverage and rapid response times. Whether they need a tow, jump start, tire change, or gas delivery service, roadside assistance plans have your employees and customers covered. Additionally, plans through companies like Best Roadside Service are customizable to make sure you’re meeting the specific needs of your employees and customers as well as your business.

Breakdowns can occur at any time. Having a commercial roadside assistance plan can keep you covered in the event of an emergency. If you are a business owner, this coverage is absolutely essential to your business. You can visit Best Roadside Service and sign your business up today.

Relying on State Provided Roadside Emergency Programs May Leave You Stranded

April 15, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road but chances are sooner or later it will happen to you. Whether a flat tire, dead battery, mechanical breakdown or other roadside emergency derails you, when your vehicle becomes disabled it can disrupt your entire day by making you late for work or leaving you stranded on the highway while traveling. When vehicle emergencies leave you stranded, roadside assistance services can get you back on track. Many states provide some type of roadside emergency services, however, relying on state sponsored services may leave you stranded.

Just like the services provided by private roadside assistance plans can vary, so can the services offered by states who offer emergency roadside assistance. Some states may offer assistance with only basic needs like changing a spare or providing a gallon of gas when motorists run out. Other states may offer additional benefits including providing a tow in case of mechanical breakdown. No state offers comprehensive emergency roadside assistance plans that will include all of the services available from stand-alone roadside assistance coverage. Motorists relying on state sponsored services and find themselves in need of services not provided by the state are left to fend for themselves.

In addition to providing fewer benefits then roadside assistance coverage, states vary on what locations emergency roadside services cover. While some states may offer large coverage areas, generally, states only offer emergency roadside assistance in certain areas. Most states provide roadside emergency services only on interstates (and in some cases other large highways), and typically even those coverage areas are limited to large cities. If this is the case in your state, you will be left to coordinate roadside services from your cell phone on the side of the road.

Finally, as states continue to seek ways to cut budgets, roadside emergency services have increasingly been put up on the chopping block. Just this month a bill to eliminate roadside services passed in the West Virginia House. If the bill passes the West Virginia Senate and is signed into law by the governor, West Virginia will no longer provide emergency roadside services to motorists. Legislators from other states seeking to balance their budgets may soon follow suit.

The best way to insure you will have emergency roadside service when you need it is to purchase roadside assistance coverage. Best Roadside Service offers a range of emergency roadside assistance plans to fit your individual, family, or commercial needs. Plans provide 24/7/365 coverage anywhere in the USA and Canada. Coverage includes emergency towing service, battery jumpstart service, up to 3 gallons of fuel delivery (gas is free!), lock-put services and emergency personal assistance such as access to trip and routing services and a 24-Hour 800 hotline. Depending on your needs you can choose from vehicles plans which follow the vehicle, regardless of who is driving (the perfect choice for vehicles with multiple drivers), or individual plans which follow the member, no matter what vehicle they’re in (even if they are not driving).

Why You Should Never Drive on Empty

April 1, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

Many of us continue to drive after the low fuel light comes on even though we shouldn’t. Whether it’s the price of gas, inconvenience, or just procrastination, some of us wait until the last minute to fill up the tank. Waiting until your gas tank is empty to fill it up could end up costing you far more than the tank of gas though.

A 2015 survey found that every year, more than 827,000 drivers ignore their vehicle’s low fuel warning light and run out of gas. Additionally, 25% of all drivers believe they can make it another 40 miles once the light turns on. The problem? Most driver have no idea how far they will actually make it once the warning light comes on. According to experts, driving around on empty (or almost empty) is a foolish idea. Fuel gauges are not always accurate, and accuracy can vary based on a number of factors including your driving style and your car’s fuel economy. Experts warn motorists to use a fuel gauge as an estimate – rather than an exact measurement – of how far they can make it before running out of fuel.

Running out of fuel isn’t the only concern with driving on empty. In fact, there’s more at stake than many people realize when you let your gas tank run that low. Allowing the level of gas in the tank to run low can damage your car. According to YourMechanic.com, “if you do run out of gas, you can do damage to your catalytic converter, which may then need to be repaired or replaced.” Additionally, the gas in your car functions as a coolant for the fuel-pump. When the fuel runs low, heat can cause permanent damage and/or failure of the fuel pump.

Mechanical breakdowns resulting from consistently driving on an empty tank or running out of fuel can lead to dangerous situations. If your car suddenly stops running, you could be stranded in a deserted area, or in the middle of a busy highway. Moreover, with many cars, airbags do not deploy when the engine is not running, putting you, and any passengers, in an even more dangerous situation. To avoid situations like this you should always keep at least a ¼ tank of fuel in your car.

Even when we know we shouldn’t do something, most of us will do it sometimes. Purchasing roadside assistance coverage insures that if your vehicle suffers a breakdown or runs out of fuel you are protected. Coverage includes emergency towing service in the event of breakdown and delivery of up to 3 gallons of fuel (gas is free!). Plans provide 24/7/365 coverage anywhere in the USA and Canada. Additional services including battery jumpstart service, lock-out services and emergency personal assistance such as access to trip and routing services and a 24-Hour 800 hotline are also included. Finally, depending on your needs you can choose from vehicles plans which follow the vehicle, regardless of who is driving (the perfect choice for vehicles with multiple drivers), or individual plans which follow the member, no matter what vehicle they’re in (even if they are not driving).

While most of us want to keep our vehicles in good shape, and know that keeping our fuel tanks off empty is part of good vehicle maintenance, the fact is life gets in the way. We don’t always have the time, patience, or desire to stop for gas. Purchase roadside assistance coverage to protect you in the event your empty tank leaves you on the side of the road.

Best Roadside Service Has Been Named the Best Commercial & Fleet Roadside Assistance Company by Best Roadside Assistance Companies for March 2017

March 20, 2017 by Best Roadside Service

PRESS RELEASE, Dallas, Texas – March 14, 2017

Dallas, Texas, March 14, 2017 (digitaljournal.com) An independent authority on roadside assistance, Best Roadside Assistance Companies, has named Best Roadside Service the top commercial and fleet roadside assistance company for the month of March 2017. Each month Best Roadside Assistance Companies reviews the best commercial and fleet roadside assistance companies and ranks them based on their performance during a thorough analysis of their provided benefits and services.

To view the rankings of the best commercial & fleet roadside assistance companies, visit:

http://www.bestroadsideassistancecompanies.com/best-commercial-fleet-roadside-assistance-companies/

About Best Roadside Assistance Companies

At Best Roadside Assistance Companies, we evaluate and rank roadside assistance companies to identify the best companies offering a variety of services to the consumer. We have created our proprietary methodology for identifying the roadside assistance companies and ranking them based on their merits and competitive advantages. This method takes into consideration the changing nature of auto industry.