EmastracAug 12, 2023
The Uberduck

Locked out of my car in SF. Called AAA. Requested the driver #WearAMask in the notes. Driver showed up without a mask, ok, I guess we can just do this distanced. He gets out, says dispatch told him not to service the call, makes a phone call, then just drives off without a word.

Turns out being #COVID safe was actually a dealbreaker for him and AAA had to dispatch someone from the other end of town.

Aug 12, 2023 at 9:45pmWeb
Show threadThe UberduckAug 12, 2023
Apparently dispatch had to call around to find someone willing to mask up. I find myself wondering whether garages were that scarce or if they picked one at the other end of the city as a way of teaching us a lesson.
Show threadThe UberduckAug 12, 2023

Driver who finally did show up (from a different company) drove up masked, used nitrile gloves, and had the car open in 30 seconds flat. Total turnaround time was less than it took for a nearby traffic light to cycle through. Kept his mask on as he drove away.

An hour after the first guy drove away.

Show threadLisa HamiltonAug 12, 2023
@uberduck This sounds like a possible lawsuit but it would definitely bring attention to the AAA dispatcher and driver if you told your experience to the SF Chronicle or a TV news consumer assistance segment. This behavior has to be exposed so it doesn't happen to others. So sorry it happened to you!
Show threadThe UberduckAug 12, 2023
@3x10to8mps likely not a lawsuit, but yeah, AAA dispatch knows and their customer experience team is going to be getting back to me.
Show threadLisa HamiltonAug 13, 2023
@uberduck Glad to hear it. I don't know if they'll do more than make promises but I wish you the best outcome possible. Stay safe!
Show threadGrassroots JoeAug 13, 2023

@uberduck

All of the trucks dispatched by AAA (and Better World Club, my choice) are contractors.

I have no idea what the terms of the contracts are, but I imagine there are some rights of contractor refusal.

I also imagine that masking sits in a gray area...

Show threadThe UberduckAug 13, 2023
@joeinwynnewood There's also basic professionalism. If you show up in a yellow truck festooned with the AAA logo and throw a temper tantrum over a reasonable ADA request, AAA may well find it prudent to discourage you from doing so again.
Show threadGrassroots JoeAug 14, 2023
@uberduck
No argument. Just addressing legal angle.