AAA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People don’t know how to change their own tires?

I wouldn't change a tire on the side of the road, and I don't want my spouse or kids doing it either. Too many people (including police officers) getting killed on the side of the road these days.

Let the tow truck drivers die instead, duh!

Geez - there's a huge difference between me or my 17 year old daughter on the side of the road trying to change a tire, and a tow truck with flashing lights with a driver wearing reflective clothing parked in a manner that blocks traffic somewhat and has an industrial jack and a high powered impact wrench, and if need be, could tow the car to a safer location. Don't be an idiot.

Even with all that, tow truck drivers are hit and killed too. Just do a quick Google search. Don’t be ignorant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People don’t know how to change their own tires?

I wouldn't change a tire on the side of the road, and I don't want my spouse or kids doing it either. Too many people (including police officers) getting killed on the side of the road these days.

Let the tow truck drivers die instead, duh!

Geez - there's a huge difference between me or my 17 year old daughter on the side of the road trying to change a tire, and a tow truck with flashing lights with a driver wearing reflective clothing parked in a manner that blocks traffic somewhat and has an industrial jack and a high powered impact wrench, and if need be, could tow the car to a safer location. Don't be an idiot.

Even with all that, tow truck drivers are hit and killed too. Just do a quick Google search. Don’t be ignorant.

And firefighters die in fires. That doesn't mean I'm going to try to put out an inferno myself. Your point is ridiculous. If I need roadside assistance, I'm calling a tow truck. Yes, I realize it is a dangerous job, but it is much safer all around to involve a professional.

[Anonymous]

Stopped needing it since we began leasing all of our cars. Roadside is covered when car is under warranty. Rarely use it on new cars. Did run out of gas once after missing an exit and they brought me 2 gallons of gas for free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People don’t know how to change their own tires?

A ton of new economy-class vehicles don't even give you the option of a spare anymore.

My Hyundai doesn't have one, instead they give you a tiny little air compressor and a can of fix-a-flat. Let me tell you, when I got a flat tire at 1am on I-87 in the middle of nowhere I was DAMN glad I had AAA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People don’t know how to change their own tires?

I wouldn't change a tire on the side of the road, and I don't want my spouse or kids doing it either. Too many people (including police officers) getting killed on the side of the road these days.

Let the tow truck drivers die instead, duh!

Geez - there's a huge difference between me or my 17 year old daughter on the side of the road trying to change a tire, and a tow truck with flashing lights with a driver wearing reflective clothing parked in a manner that blocks traffic somewhat and has an industrial jack and a high powered impact wrench, and if need be, could tow the car to a safer location. Don't be an idiot.

Even with all that, tow truck drivers are hit and killed too. Just do a quick Google search. Don’t be ignorant.

And firefighters die in fires. That doesn't mean I'm going to try to put out an inferno myself. Your point is ridiculous. If I need roadside assistance, I'm calling a tow truck. Yes, I realize it is a dangerous job, but it is much safer all around to involve a professional.

That’s fine, but your statement of “People and police DIE!” is ignorant, because many many two truck drivers die too.

Just say you’re calling a tow truck because it’s faster. Because it’s NOT safer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The thing about AAA is that you are not just paying for emergency roadside service. You are becoming a member of a massive lobbying operation that advocates for things that you may or may not agree with. For example AAA lobbies for pro-fossil fuel policies, against the clean air act, in favor of more roads, anti-pedestrian and cycling protections, etc. I’m not a member for that reason. You can either do roadside through your insurance or as previous posters above noted, doing it outside your insurance could ultimately save on premiums. In that case I recommend Better World Club (www.betterworldclub.com) which offers similar perks to AAA without opposing airbags as another example of a position AAA takes.

This is a great post. Many people don't realize that these issues are a big component of the organizations you are doing business with. I happen to support many of the positions of the AAA (and would take issue with a few of your comments, but that's a different issue) and wouldn't support the organization you linked, but nonetheless, this is a very good post that points out what many people probably don't think about. AARP is another organization that comes to mind as a seemingly innocuous organization that offers discounts and a nice magazine; most people don't realize what a powerful lobbying organization it is and would be surprised by many of their positions on important issues affecting seniors.

PP here. Thanks. I was actually going to mention AARP as another example of a membership organization. Basically any membership organization, where dues are not tax deductible, probably does a fair amount of lobbying and you should as an informed consumer, research and find out what you are actually supporting. Everyone knows what the NRA and the Sierra Club does, but other groups, especially the ones that offer perks, sometimes mask what they are doing and the positions they take.

[Anonymous]

VDOT will come out and help you for free if you’re stuck on a Virginia highway. #77 or something like that from your smart phone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just say you’re calling a tow truck because it’s faster. Because it’s NOT safer.

It is safer. The trucks are bigger and have flashing lights, they will have cones and flares, and the tools they carry will be far better than anything in the car, meaning that they will be able to do the job faster. And if need be, they can tow the car to a safer place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just say you’re calling a tow truck because it’s faster. Because it’s NOT safer.

It is safer. The trucks are bigger and have flashing lights, they will have cones and flares, and the tools they carry will be far better than anything in the car, meaning that they will be able to do the job faster. And if need be, they can tow the car to a safer place.

Police have flashing lights and flares, and cars still plow into them. It’s not the lights.

And yes, it’s more streamlined and FASTER, again.

[Anonymous]

Well if it's faster, therefore, you are on the side of the road for less time, then isn't it also safer? So yes, faster AND safer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well if it's faster, therefore, you are on the side of the road for less time, then isn't it also safer? So yes, faster AND safer.

Unless you get schmucked right off the bat, right?