The busiest weeks for the ANWB Emergency Centre
The summer vacations are the time when many Dutch people take the car, camper or caravan for a well-deserved adventure. But where holidaymakers leave relaxed, the ANWB emergency center is working overtime. In the busiest weeks of the year, some 15,000 calls are received every day from all over Europe, ranging from car breakdowns to medical emergencies (Source: ANWB).
Where do things often go wrong?
Most breakdown reports come from France, followed by Germany and Belgium. Common problems are illuminated warning lights, starting problems, flat tires and increasingly frequent breakdowns in motorhomes. Medical assistance requests come mostly from Spain, Turkey and France, and range from abdominal complaints to heart problems.
Prevention is better than cure
Nobody wants to spend their vacation in a foreign garage. The ANWB therefore advises to do a thorough check-up before departure:
- Check the oil level and coolant
- Check lighting and tire pressure
- Take a spare wheel with you if possible
Note: in August many foreign garages are closed, so even a simple repair can take days.
Smart remote assistance
Sometimes a physical roadside assistance is not even necessary. With the so-called phonefix, ANWB already managed to get more than 1,200 travelers back on the road by phone this summer. A handy solution that can save time, money and stress.
