One of the most frustrating and in some cases, downright stressful and scary situations that any motorist could find themselves in is to be stuck on the side of the road, unable to move or able to determine the cause of the problem or find an adequate remedy. Roadside assistance is one of the most invaluable services available, and in the 
above mentioned scenario, worth more than anything in that moment.
In the past roadside assistance was not really a major demand or in many regions even a concept. The only real form of roadside assistance back then was pretty much just a tow truck, and then only if you were lucky enough to break down near a public telephone of some kind. Otherwise you would have had to rely on the kindness of passing strangers who could either help you tow your stricken vehicle or offer assistance in locating and hopefully fixing the cause of the problem.
Perhaps another factor could be that there were considerably less vehicles on the roads back then, maybe another point could be that many of those drivers back then were also enthusiasts who had a good knowledge of their vehicles. Additionally, consider that vehicles were a lot simpler, i.e. no on board computers, advanced breaking systems, fuel injections and digitally controlled electronic ignitions and so on.
Modern Day Roadside Assistance
It could be argued that we are indeed the victims of our own progress. The simple fact of the matter is that modern day vehicles are in point of fact so advanced that only a highly trained, university graduate can even begin to know what the problem might be. And this, all while you sit on the side of the road, boiling and helpless.
Roadside assistance has not only become popular but has actually become essential. Many insurance companies now offer roadside assistance as a perk or benefit for signing up with them. One of the mainstays and indeed even a pioneer in roadside assistance has been the AA or Automobile Association, this organization has been helping motorists for well over a century, almost as long as vehicles have been on the road.