Every year, more than 100 million drivers experience a roadside event. While it may be tempting to try and resolve the issue yourself, the truth of the matter is that DIYing a roadside fix is now more complicated than ever. Today’s vehicles are more complex, requiring the proper know-how and tools to adequately repair–especially when it comes to electric vehicles. Performing a roadside repair incorrectly doesn’t only cost time, energy, and additional expenses; it is also extremely unsafe. 

Enter roadside assistance. Using roadside coverage is the fastest, easiest, and–most importantly–safest way to get your car back on the road. But if and when professional help is utilized via roadside assistance, it’s not just the roadside program that saves the day–it’s also the service providers who arrive on scene. 

The next time you experience a roadside event, here are three reasons why you should leave it to these pros who have been carefully vetted by the roadside program they’re partnered with.  

AS FIRST RESPONDER HEROES TO ROADSIDE EVENTS, SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE SKILLED PROFESSIONALS WITH DEEP EXPERTISE 

Service providers (SPs) are highly skilled and professionally trained roadside technicians who work in tandem with roadside assistance programs to help you get back on the road after experiencing a vehicle disablement issue. They have the knowledge, equipment, and experience to perform roadside fixes and tows safely and efficiently. SPs typically perform services such as flat tires, jump starts, winching, towing, vehicle lockouts, or fuel/battery delivery. Due to the nature of the work, they’re not only required to understand the nuances of how to assess different vehicular issues, but how to fix these issues respective to different car models and types–especially as electric vehicles (EVs) become more and more mainstream. 

For example, an EV with a flat tire requires a different protocol than its internal combustible engine (ICE) counterpart. Or towing a vintage vehicle from the early 1900s calls for different equipment and loading arrangements than a modern SUV. In this vein, service providers are part car mechanics, part car engineers, and part car aficionados because no two roadside fixes are the same; each event resolution is tailored specifically to not only the car’s make and model, but also the unique circumstances of your event.

For this reason, service providers must constantly stay up-to-date on the latest features, techniques and product releases for both vehicles and equipment. Building upon this foundation of deep expertise enables them to assess and execute roadside fixes in a timely, professional, and knowledgeable manner.

FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS, HELPING DRIVERS ISN’T JUST A PART OF THEIR JOB–IT’S THEIR PASSION 

Roadside service providers typically have lengthy, successful track records within the industry–from 5 years’ experience to over 30 years. Many of them come from local businesses that have been serving their surrounding cities for decades. No matter what level of experience, one thing all service providers have in common is how passionate they are about their job. Not only do they genuinely enjoy applying their skills and knowledge of the trade, but take great care and are proud of what they do: help drivers in need.

Whether it’s something as common as delivering a portable charger to an EV, or something more severe such as winching a truck out of a flooded ditch, service providers are passionate about giving drivers assurance and peace of mind that their vehicle is in good hands–both pre- and post-fix. 

The next time you’re on a road trip, take notice of the intricate artwork some tow trucks employ, and how meticulously clean so many of them are. Below are some examples of service provider trucks and vehicles whose external appearances enable SPs to showcase pride in their work. 

SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE SELFLESS, HARD WORKERS AND RISK THEIR LIVES EVERY DAY FOR A DANGEROUS JOB 

Being a service provider is no easy task. It requires hard work, precision, and energy. Service providers spend their entire shifts driving on the road and performing physical labor. They are also the conduit between dispatchers and drivers, communicating with both parties simultaneously to ensure they arrive at the correct location with the proper equipment and accessibility. Service providers are dispatched from one roadside fix to the next, often with little to no breaks in between. While they service vehicles within their territories, they also travel long distances outside of their domain to rescue drivers experiencing vehicular issues in more rural areas. 

Service providers also have one of the most dangerous jobs in the automotive industry. Although roadside events are common, what is frequently overlooked are the dangers inherent in performing roadside fixes–especially in the presence of heavy traffic, inclement weather, small spaces, and more. Unfortunately, all too often, serious injuries and fatalities are a common occurrence of this trade. A service provider loses their life every 6 days in America. 

However, we can help make the roads more safe by being mindful of disabled vehicles, their drivers, and service providers fixing these vehicles while you’re on the road. Stay alert, slow down, and be more cautious of roadside events occurring around you–especially when driving at night or in darker, dim lit areas. In doing all the above, we can collectively help make service providers gain more visibility on the road, in our communities, and within the driver assistance industry overall. 

MORE THAN 700 DRIVERS ARE KILLED PER YEAR TRYING TO RESOLVE A BREAKDOWN WITHOUT PROFESSIONAL HELP 

Drivers should never attempt to fix issues themselves (DIY) when faced with a roadside event. No matter what level of car repair expertise you may have, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Service providers are trained to handle the dangers of roadside fixes, as they adhere to strict safety standards and regulations. Putting your own (or other drivers’ and passengers’) safety on the line isn’t worth the risk–especially when using roadside coverage is the most time and cost efficient option. 

Service providers are not only invaluable for roadside assistance programs, but also to our communities. With over 240 million drivers traveling across America’s roadways in 2023 alone (and with the number of drivers continuing to grow each year), roadside events are a part of everyday life. In fact, for every 100 drivers in the US, 55% experience a roadside event each year. From this lens, service providers play an integral role in helping drivers get back on the road quickly, efficiently, and most importantly–safely. They are the true heroes of roadside assistance.