In the past year, the distinctive yellow trucks of RACQ were dispatched over 271,650 times for battery troubles, attended 71,200 incidents involving flat tyres, responded to 25,500 lockouts, and aided 7,700 motorists who had depleted their fuel reserves. The fleet offered support to an average of 2,000 drivers each day during the last financial year.
“Whether it’s a drained battery or a child accidentally locked in the car, Queenslanders rely on us for timely help,” said Glenn Toms, chief executive of assistance at RACQ. According to the insurer, over 91% of affected drivers were back on the road swiftly, with an average wait of just 35 minutes.
Lock-in emergencies were notably frequent, with the service responding to more than 1,780 such calls last year. “Alarmingly, our teams rescued 864 children and 771 pets from vehicles,” Toms said, urging drivers to never leave vulnerable passengers unattended.
The evolving needs of modern motorists are mirrored in the statistics. “Battery issues continue to dominate our callouts, with nearly 2,000 more instances this year,” Toms said, pointing to the surge in electric vehicles as a contributing factor. RACQ has adapted by equipping some patrols with mobile chargers for electric vehicles to address dead batteries on the spot.
Technological advancements in vehicles have led to other new challenges. Software updates and mobile apps are increasingly draining car batteries unexpectedly, while the preference for low-profile tyres, despite enhancing performance, has led to a rise in flat tyres due to their susceptibility to punctures.
Additionally, RACQ extended its aid to 374 mobility scooters, 211 wheelchairs, and 209 e-scooters or e-bikes, underscoring its comprehensive roadside support. The club's service did not go unnoticed, as it earned the Canstar award for Most Satisfied Customers in Roadside Assistance across Queensland for 2024.
FY24 Roadside Assistance Callouts by Region:
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