AAA representatives say new technology could save stranded motorists, with or without cell or WiFi service.
Anyone with an iPhone 14 or newer will soon be able to connect with AAA for roadside assistance entirely via satellite.
Shawn Steward, AAA spokesperson for South Dakota, said while advancements in reliability have been substantial, there are still untamed corners of the state.
“Despite the great cellular network we have in the U.S., there are still a lot of areas that are remote and sort of off-the-grid in terms of cell coverage," Steward said. "You into some rural areas like we have in South Dakota, and it’s sometimes impossible to get a signal.”
Steward said you don’t even need to be a AAA member to take advantage of the offer.
“Roadside assistance via satellite is built on groundbreaking technology that powers the emergency SOS via satellite that was launched by Apple in 2022,” Steward said.
That means every driver with a newer generation iPhone will have a safety net in their pocket – though there are limits to the service.
“You do need to be near a road so we can get our service trucks to you," Steward said. "We can’t be climbing up a rocky face or into the forest with a tow truck, but as long as there’s a serviceable road we can access, we will certainly get out there.”
The service goes into effect for the entirety of the U.S. and Puerto Rico September 22.