January 12, 2016
New figures have revealed the State’s peak motoring body was called to rescue members with flat car batteries every two minutes last year.
RACQ’s 2015 annual data showed more than 277,000 Queenslanders needed roadside assistance for battery troubles.
RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said human error was often the cause.
“Simple mistakes like leaving the lights on overnight can quickly drain your battery,” Ms Ritchie said.
Another common reason for Queenslanders calling RACQ was when they locked themselves out of their car.
“Last year we were called to more than 63,000 members with lockout related problems,” Ms Ritchie said.
“New car technology and increased security means it can actually be easier to lock your keys in the car these days than it used to be.
“Worryingly a number of these lockouts involved the rescue of children accidentally locked in cars.
“In 2015 we were called to rescue more than 1,300 children and 710 pets locked in vehicles. There’s never a safe time to leave a child or pet alone in the car.”
Ms Ritchie said RACQ expected this year to be just as busy.
“In 2015 we were called to over 900,000 jobs to assist our members on the roadside.
“Our fleet of 425 patrol men and women will once again be working 365 days this year servicing Queenslanders 24/7.”
