AVERAGING more than 250 roadside assistance responses per month, the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) says it is prepared for all eventualities facing stranded motorists.

Included in the JAA’s assistance to motorists is security service, especially at nights when members are likely to be faced with difficult and often life-threatening circumstances.

“Security is provided free of charge for all areas where our members may be vulnerable, particularly at nights,” declared JAA general manager, Duane Ellis.

According to Ellis, security teams are on hand to provide maximum protection to JAA members while roadside assistance technicians help with whatever difficulty being experienced.

“The team is mobilised and ready to go shortly after we receive an assistance call,” he said. The service standard of the JAA’s roadside assistance team is to respond in 40 minutes to all calls from stranded motorists, Ellis explained.

He added however that depending on the time of day and the location of the stranded member, arrival time on the scene is usually considerably less.

“Our team is prepared to deal with most situations that arise with our members; in addition technicians are trained to secure accident scenes, assist with paper work and they may call an ambulance service if necessary,” Ellis noted, adding that the JAA will also “provide towing free of charge to members once a year, up to a cost of $5,000.”

The most common reasons for roadside assistance calls range from members needing to have their car jump started, assistance with changing a flat tyre, minor vehicle repairs, and in some cases, assistance after running out of petrol, said the JAA.

Motorists may become a JAA member through two packages offered by the association. A Gold member pays $4,100 and Platinum member $7,000. Both packages offer a variety of services including accident and roadside assistance, document expiry reminders and renewal services.

The JAA says it also offers a monthly payment package that allows motorists to pay for their membership at a rate of $400 per month. “Under this plan, persons will have access to all roadside assistance services; and the JAA will provide ‘pay as you go’ towing services for these members,” said Ellis.