AAA has integrated its roadside service with two popular navigation apps, Waze and Google Maps, to alert drivers when they’re approaching an auto club tow truck.

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The goal is to warn those using the navigation apps to slow down and move over when they see an emergency vehicle stopped ahead, as required by state law.

AAA spokesperson Adrienne Woodland says the alerts could save lives.

“Tragically, about two emergency responders are killed every month, and thats far too many deaths,” Woodland said. “They occur because drivers are either not paying attention or do not realize they’re approaching someone on the roadside.”

AAA responds to over 30 million calls for roadside assistance across the country, amounting to about one call every two seconds.

Woodland says if someone’s car or truck breaks down, they should stay inside the vehicle if it’s safe and wait for help to arrive.

The auto club expects a record number of people to travel over the holidays, predicting that more than 119 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday and New Year’s Day.

Reporting by Pat Batcheller, WDET News

Other headlines for Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024:

• The Michigan Muslim Community Council will continue its “Days of Ihsan” campaign on Dec. 25, partnering with local organizations to hand out holiday gifts and food to over 300 low-income Detroit families.
• Detroit’s homicide rates have dropped drastically again this year, with the Detroit Police Department reporting the city is on pace to break last year’s record of lowest homicides since 1966.
• Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill Monday that will extend the maximum length of time Michigan workers can receive unemployment insurance benefits by six weeks.
• Most city of Detroit offices will be closed beginning Christmas Eve for the holiday season and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2. Normal Police, fire and bus services will be provided.  Garbage, bulk and recycling will not be picked up on Christmas or New Year’s Day. Friday’s collection will take place on Saturday.  

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