RAA members who find themselves stranded in remote areas with no mobile or Wi-Fi coverage will soon have a new lifeline, with Apple and RAA teaming up to deliver roadside assistance via satellite.
From Monday, 15 September, RAA members who break down in remote areas without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage will be able to connect with the roadside assistance team directly through their iPhone 14 or later. The feature prompts drivers to complete a short questionnaire before sending a satellite message to the RAA, ensuring help can still be summoned when regular coverage isn’t available.
The initiative builds on Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite, first launched in 2022, and means RAA members can request help anywhere in the country through affiliated motoring clubs. With RAA responding to more than 350,000 call-outs each year, many in coverage blackspots, the technology promises a safer and more reliable backup for South Australian drivers.
RAA General Manager of Automotive Services Dorothy Nycz said the innovation reflects the organisation’s longstanding commitment to protecting members. “RAA has been there to help South Australians on the side of the road for more than a century, and this new technology offers them even more peace of mind,” Ms Nycz said. “Access to help during a breakdown isn’t just about convenience – it’s an important safety issue. This innovation means assistance can be requested, even in areas where there is no mobile coverage and communication has traditionally been a challenge. Technology like this gives drivers greater confidence to explore more of our state and beyond.”
The service will be free for iPhone users for the first two years after activating a device and applies to vehicles located on or near public roads. Off-road recovery is not included, and Apple advises the feature works best with a clear view of the sky, away from dense bushland or steep terrain.
Membership benefits vary depending on affiliation with Australia’s motoring clubs, but even non-members will be able to access satellite roadside help on a pay-per-use basis.
