"I’ve been a AAA Member since the 1970’s, and I wouldn’t give up my Membership for the world.”When Sheryl Barden Coholan punctured two of her rental car's tires in the middle of a business trip far from her Bay Area home, her rental car company offered limited assistance. Fortunately, AAA had Sheryl covered. Here's her story:

“I was traveling on business in Illinois. I had picked up a rental car at O'Hare Airport and was driving to DuPage Airport, about 40 miles away. I was trying to dial my cell phone as I drove and I slammed into a curb-a big curb. Both of the passenger side tires blew. I was dead in the water.

“It just so happened that the spot where this took place was directly across the highway from an office of the rental agency I was using. I called the company to tell them what had happened, explained where I was, and asked if I could walk into the office across the street and rent another car. They said they did have one car left at that location and that they'd give it to me-but first I would have to get the damaged car towed back to their O'Hare location at a minimum cost of $150.

“I said, 'What if I have AAA tow it?' They said that was fine with them. AAA sent a driver who put the damaged car on a flatbed, then drove me across the highway so I could pick up a fresh car and be on my way while he towed the first car back to O'Hare.

“AAA saved me so much time and money. I own my own business and do a lot of traveling, and this wasn't the first time I've called AAA to help me with a rental car. AAA provides me with a level of security that I rely on. I've been a member since the 1970s, and I wouldn't give up my membership for the world.”

AAA strongly advises motorists against using  a cell phone while driving. Research has shown that the combination of visual, cognitive, and physical distractions involved in cell phone use and other forms of distractions while driving makes it an inherently dangerous activity. Additionally many states have laws that forbid various distracted driving activities.  See more AAA tips to help you manage distractions and stay safe behind the wheel.