“Out of Gas” Calls to AAA S.D. up by 75%

NEWS from AAA South Dakota, July 11 - Calls to AAA South Dakota from members who have run out of fuel have jumped by 75 percent in the wake of this year’s higher pump prices, according to statistics released by the auto club today.

This year between Jan. 1 and June 27, emergency road service dispatchers at AAA South Dakota received 693 calls from members stranded without fuel across the state. This compares with 396 calls for the same period last year.

“There’s no doubt gasoline prices have finally risen high enough to force motorists to drive less and purchase smaller, more fuel-efficient cars,” said Mark Madeja, spokesman for AAA South Dakota. “More surprising, though, is the fact that so many more drivers are simply running out of gas.”

Completely running out of gas is not only inconvenient and a potential safety risk, it’s also harmful to vehicle engines, causing the fuel pump to overheat. There is also the danger of residue in the bottom of the gas tank being sucked into the fuel line, causing fuel filter problems.

“It seems that more and more drivers just can’t believe these astronomically high gas prices, and are hoping that next station around the corner will have a lower price,” said Madeja. “Others tell us they can’t afford a complete fill-up and try to get by buying as little as they can.”

For advice on ways to stretch your fuel dollar, visit www.AAA.com for a free, downloadable copy of AAA’s “Gas Watcher’s Guide,” containing tips to help you conserve fuel. (Follow the News & Safety link at the top to Fuel News & Tools under brochures.) Or write to AAA Tips, 1300 Industrial, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.