Good Hands to the Rescue for College Students Traveling for the Holiday Break

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Dec. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- College students are wrapping up their final exams and getting ready to head home for the holidays. Those who will hit the road along with the millions of other drivers, may have a travel plan in place that includes mapping out their route and checking in with mom or dad before they leave campus. But what young drivers really need is a plan to protect themselves, just in case they experience a problem with their vehicle.

A recent survey commissioned by Allstate Roadside Services found younger drivers ages 18-29 were the most likely group to experience a disabled vehicle while on the road. In fact, 73 percent of young drivers admitted they became stranded or had to pull off the highway. Among the most common reasons for their car issues were a flat tire (74 percent), a dead battery (70 percent), a break down (54 percent) and a lockout (53 percent). Many of the drivers surveyed experienced more than one of these problems. 

"The likelihood of young drivers running into problems while they're on the road makes it imperative they know what to do and who to contact besides their parent," said Pam Dufour, president, Allstate Roadside Services. "We know young people are tech savvy, so our suggestion this holiday season is for parents to give a gift that provides assistance should their young driver find themselves stuck on the side of the road. This year, download and put a bow on our free Good Hands Rescue(SM) app."

The Good Hands Rescue(SM) mobile app makes it easier for stranded drivers to request roadside assistance from anywhere in America through their smartphones. They don't have to be an Allstate customer to use it and they pay only when services are used. Once service is requested and location is determined, a cost is shared along with an estimated time of arrival. If a driver chooses to accept the service, a network provider is dispatched and the driver will be able to track the provider's en route status. Additionally, drivers can opt to have a text sent to family or friends to keep them updated on the rescue. On average, through the mobile app, a tow charge will run $89 for the first five miles, a battery jump will cost an average of $59 and having a tow operator come to change a flat tire may run $59, on average.

"Having that extra protection in place helps calm the nerves and fears of parents and their young driver," says Dufour. "We know from our survey that 64 percent of parents say the personal safety of their teen or young adult driver is their number one concern. We're pleased to be able to provide the Good Hands Rescue(SM) app to assist drivers when they have a breakdown."

Parents and young drivers can download the Good Hands Rescue(SM) app for free from Apple or Google Play, or visit Allstate's mobile website. They should also consider discussing ways to stay safe and prepared before getting on the road. Allstate Roadside Services offers the following tips:

• Make sure the student's car is road-ready. Before traveling to or from college, have a mechanic give the vehicle the once-over, including preventive maintenance such as an oil change, tire check, new wipers or filter replacement.
• When packing college necessities, be sure to pack an emergency car kit. A well-equipped kit can fit in the trunk and might include a flashlight, hand sanitizer, water and energy bars.
• Ensure the student knows the top reasons for roadside assistance and who to contact for help. They should keep the phone fully charged and consider downloading the Good Hands Rescue(SM) app to their smartphone.

Allstate Roadside Services administers roadside assistance through Allstate Motor Club. Each year, Allstate responds to about five million requests for roadside assistance. Approximately 40 million vehicles are covered through Allstate Roadside Services.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, protecting approximately 16 million households from life's uncertainties through auto, home, life and other insurance offered through its Allstate, Esurance, Encompass and Answer Financial brand names. Allstate is widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate^®." The Allstate brand's network of small businesses offers auto, home, life and retirement products and services to customers in the United States and Canada. In the 20 years since Allstate became a fully independent public company, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate, its employees and agency owners have donated more than $405 million to support local communities.

Survey results are based on a national, online survey of adults conducted July 1-6, 2015 on behalf of Allstate by FTI Consulting. This survey focused on the respondent's experiences and needs during times when roadside assistance is necessary. The online survey was conducted among a sample of 1,000 adults age 18 and older living across the United States.

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SOURCE Allstate Corporation