To The Editor:

In April my vehicle broke down on Daniels Parkway between SR82 and Treeline Ave. It was 10:50 p.m. and this is a remote section of the highway.

Since our family has the AAA Plus plan, I called AAA and they said they would call me right back, which they did and said a truck was on its way as soon as it fueled up, but would be there before midnight.

During my wait, two Lee County deputies and one Florida Highway Patrol stopped and asked if there was anything they could do to assist me. Silly me, I said, “No, AAA was on the way and would be here by midnight.”

One of them replied, “Good luck with that!” Apparently that phrase uttered in sarcasm would have been my clue that the reputation (or lack of good reputation) of AAA is well-known among law enforcement.

Subsequently, at 12:30 am., now it is the next day and I called the dispatcher back and he said that he would call me right back. At 12:45 a.m., he called and said that the truck had been diverted and he had to call around and would get back to me. Approximately, 1:15 a.m., he called back and guess what … “There is nothing we can do.”

I requested to talk to a supervisor, who after ventilating my frustration with this whole situation hung up on me. I guess he thought I deserved to sit there for two and half hours. Tell me, would you like to be abandoned in the middle of the night in a remote location for this length of time. Wondering with each passing car who might be the rapist, armed burglar, serial killer – and feeling so stupid that you dismissed the police because AAA was “on the way.”

Realizing I was on my own, despite my AAA Plus motor club membership since 1999, I phoned a friend. My friend I am sure appreciated a heart racing wake up call at 1:30 in the morning. Remember this is now the next day, my vehicle broke down the night before. My friend delivered me home safely.

However, the saga did not end.

At 2:45 in the morning, AAA called back and told me that I could call a private towing company and that I would be reimbursed. I hung up on him. How many business cards of towing companies do you think I carry with me when I purchased the AAA Plus Plan? Nor do I carry the Fort Myers business phone book. Do you?

Nonetheless, to add more fuel to the fire, I was sent a check for $25 and a road Atlas. What does this tell me?

Someone within the AAA organization probably got a huge bonus for coming up with the idea that AAA can abuse the customer and then send them a present to alleviate the frustration and aggravation of the experience. This tactic should save the company $75 – $100 even more per tow if the person is stranded a great distance away from home and/or their mechanic.

Just so you know, I shredded the Atlas and I am returning the check. What an insult. AAA can buy snacks for the night shift to munch on while they are safe in their offices not sending help as customers wonder what their fate will be. By the way, the check stub says it is issued “for service on such and such a date.” NOT.

Scott and Joyce Allen

Lehigh Acres