RAC is celebrating 100 years of Roadside Assistance, helping to support generations of Western Australian motorists and becoming a part of the state’s history.
RAC Roadside Assistance launched in 1926 with just two patrols on motorcycles, scouring our major roads in search of people who had broken down.
A century later, the service is a state‑wide network of iconic yellow patrol vans which attend hundreds of thousands of call-outs each year – from flat tyres to children and pets becoming accidentally locked in cars.
RAC Group CEO Rob Slocombe said the centenary is a credit to the organisation’s long‑standing commitment to our members and community.
“Back in 1926, 21 years after the Club was founded, it became clear there was a growing need to support WA’s early motorists – to give them confidence when venturing out,” Mr Slocombe said.
“In the 100 years that have followed, RAC Patrols have remained devoted to helping members get back on the road safely so they can continue their travels.
“This milestone is a tribute to the generations of patrols, dispatchers and support teams who have created one of WA’s most cherished essential services.”
RAC Roadside Assistance stalwart Malcolm Harris has worked for RAC for 48 years including over 20 years as a Patrol.
He said despite advances in technology, the core mission of Roadside Assistance had not changed.
“We continue to be there for our members when they need us most. Kindness, generosity and professionalism is at the centre of everything we do,” Mr Harris said.
“Over the years, I had some interesting and sometimes comical callouts. One highlight was, the dispatch said a member reported a flooded engine. When I got there, the car was in the pool!”
Mr Harris became an RAC Roadside Assistance Patrol in 1978, when breakdown calls were answered by a telephonist, and written on a card which was sent to a “plotter” using a conveyer belt.
The plotter allocated the job to a Patrol, and the card was then passed to the radio operator who dispatched the job over the two-way radio.
“As Patrols, we wore full woollen suits and ties, and a polyester shirt – no matter the weather. Thankfully, our uniforms have evolved along with the vehicles, and the technology,” Mr Harris said.
RAC Roadside Assistance through the decades:
1926: RAC Roadside Assistance begins with two mechanics patrolling on motorbikes
1950: A fleet of Austin A40 Vans replace Patrol motorbikes
1957: Roadside Assistance becomes a 24‑hour service; patrol vehicles fitted with two‑way radios
1960: Free towing introduced for members
1967: Emergency phones installed along the Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways, providing direct access to RAC patrols
1970: Pick up points established at shopping centres, where members could meet Patrols and take them to their cars
1998: RAC begins sponsoring the RAC Christmas Pageant, with patrols famously towing several floats
2023: RAC introduces its first Electric Patrol Vehicle.
2026: RAC Roadside Assistance celebrates 100 years.
ENDS