Nothing is more unnerving than breaking down in an unfamiliar area or in the middle of a busy highway far from home. Now motorists can request for roadside assistance anywhere in Canada and the U.S. The Canadian Automobile Association's (CAA) launched July 6, a new iPhone application: the CAA Roadside App!
Using GPS technology, the CAA Roadside App helps determine a motorist's breakdown location and automatically submits the coordinates to the nearest CAA/AAA roadside assistance team. By downloading and completing the registration process ahead of time, the membership number and vehicle information will also be automatically included in the iPhone App request for roadside assistance, making the request hassle-free. The CAA Roadside App also provides locations of CAA/AAA approved auto repair shops nearby. And, if the motorist wants to speak to a roadside assistance service provider directly, they just need to tap their iPhone and the application will make the call.
"Having your vehicle break down miles from home is not only inconvenient, it can also leave travellers feeling helpless," says Richard Gaspar, BCAA's road assist contact centre manager. "Vacationers are often driving in unfamiliar territory and it can be difficult to figure out exactly where you are. To reach our members quickly, it's crucial that we collect key pieces of information about the breakdown. The iPhone application asks a comprehensive series of questions to gather valuable information such as a specific address or detailed description of the location, vehicle and nature of the breakdown. This helps roadside assistance providers locate the motorist immediately and ensures the technician is well prepared for the rescue."
To download the new CAA Roadside App, go to: CAA.ca/mobile or visit the iTunes App Store and search for "CAA Roadside". The CAA Roadside App is free of charge.
And before traveling the main recommendation is to have a fully charged cell phone, a back up battery or a car charger.
Using GPS technology, the CAA Roadside App helps determine a motorist's breakdown location and automatically submits the coordinates to the nearest CAA/AAA roadside assistance team. By downloading and completing the registration process ahead of time, the membership number and vehicle information will also be automatically included in the iPhone App request for roadside assistance, making the request hassle-free. The CAA Roadside App also provides locations of CAA/AAA approved auto repair shops nearby. And, if the motorist wants to speak to a roadside assistance service provider directly, they just need to tap their iPhone and the application will make the call.
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| Photo: CAA |
"Having your vehicle break down miles from home is not only inconvenient, it can also leave travellers feeling helpless," says Richard Gaspar, BCAA's road assist contact centre manager. "Vacationers are often driving in unfamiliar territory and it can be difficult to figure out exactly where you are. To reach our members quickly, it's crucial that we collect key pieces of information about the breakdown. The iPhone application asks a comprehensive series of questions to gather valuable information such as a specific address or detailed description of the location, vehicle and nature of the breakdown. This helps roadside assistance providers locate the motorist immediately and ensures the technician is well prepared for the rescue."
To download the new CAA Roadside App, go to: CAA.ca/mobile or visit the iTunes App Store and search for "CAA Roadside". The CAA Roadside App is free of charge.
And before traveling the main recommendation is to have a fully charged cell phone, a back up battery or a car charger.