Roadside Assistance Program Car Drivers Flat Automobile Call

Many Americans "rely on" (depend on; use the services of) "roadside assistance," programs to help them when they "run into trouble" (have problems) "on the road" (while traveling). Many automobile insurance programs offer roadside assistance programs as "add-on services" (something that is added to the basic offering by paying an additional fee). Other people purchase roadside assistance through a separate program, such as membership in the American Automobile Association, or AAA (see ESL Podcast 49 and English Café 100).

A roadside assistance program offers "assistance" (help) to drivers who are facing an "urgent" (needing something right away) problem. Drivers who have problems can call a number to report the problem, and the program sends someone to help them.

For example, drivers can call for help if they accidentally lock their keys in their car, if they have a flat tire, if they have a "dead" (not working) "battery" (used to get electricity), or if they run out of gas. The roadside assistance program will send someone, usually within a short time, to "pick the lock" (open a locked door), change the tire, "jump-start the battery" (apply cables connecting a working car to a car with a dead battery, so that the car starts again), or "deliver" (bring) a small amount of gasoline. If the car "breaks down" (stops working and will no longer move forward), the roadside assistance program might provide free "towing" (using a strong truck to pull another car) to the nearest "mechanic" (someone whose job is to fix cars).

A roadside assistance program provides "peace of mind" (a sense of calm and security, not needing to worry) to drivers, who are usually happy to "fork over" (pay) a small monthly fee, even if they rarely or never use the service.