AAA receives over 800 calls for service since midnight

AAA Miami Valley has received 816 calls for roadside service since midnight, according to their 7 p.m. report from a spokesperson with AAA Miami Valley.

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The most common reasons for calls are residents in need of a tow, extrication or battery assistance, the spokesperson said. All of their resources are being used to respond to all of the calls for assistance as quickly as possible.

AAA roadside technicians are continuing their 24/7 service, but residents can expect increased response times due to road conditions. the spokesperson said.

Motorists are urged to avoid travel unless necessary and have your AAA card with you in case of an emergency.

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Tips on how to keep your car running and safe, according to the spokesperson with AAA Miami Valley:

• Drive prepared. Have your AAA card on you, charge your cell phone, have a winter emergency kit with an ice-scraper, shovel, blankets, flash light, hand sanitizer and wipes, and cat litter for traction.
• Check to ensure your car battery can withstand the cold temperatures.
• If your car is a 2007 model or newer, you do not need to warm your car up before driving. Take enough time to clear your vehicle of snow and ice and check to make sure you can see out of all of your windows.
• Never leave your car running with the key or key fob inside of it when you are not in it. Thieves can steal your vehicle in an instant.
• Do not leave your car running in a garage with adequate ventilation.
• Clean the tailpipe on your car prior to getting it started.
• Lift windshield wipers off the windshield when parking your car for an extended amount of time. Do not pour hot water over a frozen lock or ice-covered vehicle.
• Check your tire pressure before leaving your destination.
• Make sure your car has at least a half tank of gas.
• Four-wheel-drive vehicles have the same difficulty keeping control and stoppings as other vehicles once they get moving, travel gently. Drive, turn and brake slowly.
• Save yourself plenty of room to stop between

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AAA advises residents to stay off of the roadways unless it is critical, the spokesperson said.

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