Heartwarming roadside rescues: Our members share their stories
Read the rescue stories shared by our members as we celebrate 100 years of roadside assistance.
For 100 years, RACQ Roadside Assistance has been there for Queenslanders, helping them get back on the road.
Whether it's a flat battery, lost keys or something more unusual, what makes these moments truly special are the stories behind them.
They’re filled with kindness, relief and sometimes even a bit of humour that comes when help arrives.
We have asked our members to share their most memorable roadside rescue stories, and the responses have warmed our hearts.
Here are just a few that stood out:
Wedding day woes
We were driving out of Toowoomba for a wedding. The car suddenly stopped halfway up a hill. Tension was high. It was my husband's first gig officiating a wedding and time was of the essence. The little yellow vehicle arrived with the verdict being the timing belt. It got towed back to Toowoomba for repairs. We got a lift to the wedding with another guest. The couple are still happily married.
- Amanda
Double rescue
I had just been out to rescue a wallaby joey. Transferred him to a carer... then my car wouldn't start... so I needed rescuing by the RACQ!!
- Dawn
Hiking hiccup
After a long day hiking in Lamington National Park, I returned to my car only to find the battery completely flat — no signal, no jump leads, and the car park slowly emptying. I was facing a cold night in the bush with no way home. Thankfully, the last couple to leave offered to drive into range and call RACQ. I expected a long wait, but a patrol arrived within 40 minutes, smiling and ready to help. Not only did he jump-start the car, but he checked the battery’s health, gave advice on avoiding future issues, and even recommended a great local café for the drive home. It turned what could have been a nightmare into a genuinely heartwarming experience. I’ll never forget that moment of unexpected kindness and professionalism when I needed it most.
- Emily
Footy fiasco
I once had my car keys stolen while at football training and had to call RACQ roadside to help me unlock my car. They came quickly and the patrol who arrived was reassuring and calm, which made the whole experience a lot less stressful!
- Tori
Kangaroo chaos
Driving back from a weekend in Roma, a kangaroo darted out of nowhere and sent me swerving straight into a pothole — blown tyre, bent rim, and me stuck roadside as dusk settled in. With trucks thundering past and phone signal fading, I managed to get one bar long enough to contact RACQ. A patrol showed up faster than I thought possible. He quickly changed the tyre, checked for damage, and even rigged a temporary fix so I could safely finish the drive home. I was rattled, tired, and a little teary, but he stayed calm, kind, and reassuring the whole time. That level of care and service out on a lonely highway made me feel incredibly grateful and safe.
- Kristianna
A knight in shining high-vis
Stranded in the middle of nowhere on a scorching Queensland summer day, my old ute decided it had had enough—steam pouring from the bonnet and no mobile reception. I had my two kids in the back, a boot full of groceries rapidly defrosting, and no idea what to do next. I flagged down a kind stranger who drove several kilometres to call RACQ for me. Within the hour, a roadside patrol arrived like a knight in shining high-vis. Not only did he cool the engine and get us going, but he also gave the kids icy poles from his esky to cheer them up. We made it home safe, with our groceries (and tempers) intact. That day reminded me that it’s not just a service—it’s a lifeline when you need it most.
- Demitri
These stories remind us that roadside assistance is about more than just cars, it's about people helping people, with genuine care and a friendly smile.
Read more roadside rescue stories from our members to celebrate 100 years of roadside assistance.
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The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
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