The general director of Luxembourg’s most important roadside assistance organisation spoke of changing perspectives, dangerous driving habits, but also rising competition on RTL Radio’s Editorial Guest emission this Monday morning.
Each year, the ACL responds to around 50,000 callouts, with approximately 200,000 calls handled by its call centre. Most of these interventions are related to battery or tyre issues, Eisenmenger noted, offering a snapshot of the organisation’s activity.
She rejected the notion that ACL is merely a lobbying body for motorists. Instead, she emphasised that the club is actively expanding its services – including support for cyclists and soft mobility users, as well as road safety training for motorcyclists. Eisenmenger added that this broader offer is still growing.
Back in 2020, ACL had criticised Luxembourg’s “Vëlossummer” (Cycling Summer) initiative, claiming that road closures discriminated against car users. But that stance has evolved. “Nothing is more constant than change”, Eisenmenger stated, adding that ACL is adapting with the times and recognises that safe, shared use of the roads requires mutual respect among all traffic participants.
Reflecting on recent serious road accidents, Eisenmenger stressed that even a single fatality is one too many.
Between March and May this year, ACL commissioned a study to assess road safety and driving behaviour, which according to the General Director, over 7,000 participants took part in. The findings show that one in three drivers admitted to having driven under the influence of alcohol at least once, a figure Eisenmenger found deeply concerning. The study also revealed that distraction, particularly due to mobile phone use while driving, remains a significant issue. On a more positive note, younger drivers appear to be more cautious behind the wheel.
So far in 2025, seven motorcyclists have died in road accidents. Eisenmenger noted that motorcycle training sessions reveal widespread difficulty with proper braking technique. “We also need to revisit right-of-way rules and road code basics – as basic as it sounds, it’s necessary”, she stressed. ACL plans to expand its collaboration with the Training Centre for Drivers (CFC) next year to offer more advanced training, including on weekends, with a more professional setup.
In 2020, ACL took over the karting track in Mondercange and floated the idea of building an indoor track. While changes are indeed being considered, Eisenmenger said it’s too early for specifics. Further details could be expected in six months at the earliest, she announced.
In 2022, ACL took legal action against insurance provider LALUX after the latter launched its own breakdown service, though ACL lost the case. While Eisenmenger declined to comment on the past legal proceedings, she stated that, in general, market diversity is a good thing. The ACL is well-positioned and not overly concerned about the competition, she added.
