After a full-throttle winter, spring starts in high gear for CAA-Quebec Roadside Assistance
It was a busy winter for CAA-Quebec Roadside Assistance! February brought several major snowstorms, disrupting daily life for many Quebecers. Our teams persevered through an unprecedented 12-day stretch of peak demand—an anomaly in CAA-Quebec’s 120 years of roadside assistance experience.
Between February 9 and 21, our patrols responded to nearly 39,000 service calls—two-thirds of what they typically handle in an entire winter month. Our contact centre and dispatch teams were also stretched to the limit, handling 54,000 service calls over the same period.
Maintaining an acceptable response time remains a top priority for our teams, who delivered stellar service despite exceptionally challenging conditions. During this period, the average wait time for assistance was 74 minutes, compared to 48 minutes on a typical winter day. The heavy snowpack made it extremely difficult for our tow trucks to navigate the roads and led to more stranded vehicles, especially in the Montreal area. Despite these challenges, our average response times remain among the top 5 of all CAA/AAA roadside assistance services in North America.
More potholes than usual?
Winter isn’t officially in the rearview yet, but pothole season is already in high gear, and many motorists have felt the effects in recent weeks. Our roadside assistance service has responded to 40% more flat tire calls compared to the same period last year. In Montreal, tire-related service calls are up 50% compared to previous months, while Quebec City has seen a 30% increase.
It’s important to note that the provincial government, municipalities and cities are not liable for tire or suspension damage caused by road conditions. Drivers seeking compensation for damage must prove that the authorities were negligent. For other types of damage—such as to wheels, steering components or bodywork—claim forms are available online from municipal authorities and the Ministère des Transports. Visit our website for more information on recourse options for pothole-related damage.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a variety of sectors by drawing upon a human approach. Socially committed, the organization strives on a daily basis to defend the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety.
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