Jun 27, 2008 11:21 am US/Eastern
More N.H. Drivers Running On Empty In Gas Crisis
DOVER, N.H. (WBZ) ―
The American Automobile Association is getting more calls to help drivers in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine who have run out of gas.
AAA is blaming high gas prices for the rising number of calls as more drivers run on empty.
Nick Wallner, spokesman for AAA Northern New England, told Foster's Daily Democrat the number of calls has nearly doubled since last year.
However, Art Kinsman, spokesman for AAA Southern New England, told WBZ there doesn't appear to be a change in calls in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
New Hampshire State Police Capt. Russell Conte told the paper all drivers should take precautions if they run out of gas.
"Don't get out of your car and start walking. It's a very dangerous situation," Conte said. "If it's too hot, get out of the car and get behind the guard rail, far away from the breakdown lane."
Conte said troopers don't carry extra gasoline with them because of all the electronics equipment and weapons in their cruisers.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
