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As Delaware Valley Temperatures Plummet, Calls For Driver Assistance Skyrocket

By Lynne Adkins

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The bitter temperatures are leaving a lot of drivers stranded.

One of the worst sounds on a workday is that slow cranking when the car won't start.

Unfortunately, it's all too common in this weather, according to Jenny Robinson, spokeswoman for AAA Midatlantic.

Robinson says AAA's phones have been ringing off the hook -- up 70 percent over the same period last week -- and not just for cars that won't start.

"Number 3 on our list, behind towing and batteries, is tires," she notes.  "Because, as the weather changes, changes in the temperature change your tire pressure.  So it's important to get your tires checked as well as your battery."

Accordinig to Robinson, AAA fielded 2,500 calls during this morning's rush hour period in southeastern Pennsylvania, and even more in New Jersey.

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