70 Years of ÖAMTC Roadside Assistance: A Legacy of Innovation and Dedication

The Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC) is celebrating 70 years of its roadside assistance service. Since 1954, the ÖAMTC’s iconic “Yellow Angels” have been delivering fast and reliable support to millions of drivers across Austria. Over the past seven decades, the club has continually adapted its services to meet the evolving needs of its members, becoming a key player in ensuring safe and sustainablemobility.

The journey began in Vienna in October 1954, when the first patrols took to the roads in distinctive chrome-yellow sidecars. These patrols quickly earned the nickname “Yellow Angels” due to their vehicle color and their dedication to helping motorists. Back then, most interventions involved motorcycles and scooters, with patrolmen handling up to 10 breakdowns per day.

Over the years, what started as a small-scale operation has grown into a highly sophisticated service that handled 687,500 operations in 2023 alone. Key innovations, such as the introduction of the Steyr Puch 500 in 1958, Austria’s first 24/7 roadside assistance in 1968, and e-bike support in 2015, have consistently set new benchmarks for mobility support.

ÖAMTC teams have a long-standing history of international success, winning the Road Patrol Contest for Excellence in 2012 and 2014. In 2023, a team from Styria claimed victory once again, and for the first time, a female road patrol member was part of the winning team, marking a significant milestone in the club’s legacy.

Looking ahead, ÖAMTC is preparing for the rise of electric vehicles. The shift in vehicle technology presents new challenges, requiring specialised training for staff and the deployment of electric-powered breakdown vehicles. With a focus on modern technology and environmentally friendly solutions, ÖAMTC continues to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

The 70th-anniversary year has not been without its challenges. Between 1 June and 18 August, ÖAMTC helped members with 159,400 breakdowns, as heatwaves and severe storms impacted the summer months. In mid-September, severe flooding in Lower Austria, declared a disaster area, resulted in over 1,000 breakdowns per day, setting a new record for the Club.

Tragically, on 1 October, a long-serving ÖAMTC mechanic was fatally injured while on duty, highlighting the risks involved in roadside assistance. This tragic event underscores the dedication of the patrol teams who face these dangers every day to support motorists in need.

As ÖAMTC looks to the future, its commitment to safety, innovation, and reliability ensures it will continue to deliver high-quality roadside support for many years to come.