By John Doe, Lead Towing Specialist
Finding yourself stranded on the side of the road can be nerve-wracking, whether it’s due to a flat tire, dead battery, or unexpected engine trouble. While it may be tempting to try and fix the problem yourself, it’s often safer and more efficient to call a professional roadside assistance service. Until help arrives, here are ten essential tips to keep yourself and others safe:
1. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location (If Possible)
If you can still maneuver your car, pull over to the side of the road or a nearby shoulder. If you’re on a busy highway, it’s crucial to get as far from oncoming traffic as possible. This reduces the chance of further accidents and allows other vehicles to pass safely.
2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights
As soon as you realize you’re having trouble, turn on your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that your vehicle is in distress. This is especially important at night or in low-visibility weather, as it makes your vehicle more visible from a distance.
3. Stay Inside the Vehicle (If Safe to Do So)
Exiting your vehicle on a busy road or highway can be extremely dangerous. Unless there is an immediate danger (like a fire or visible smoke), it’s usually safest to remain inside with your seatbelt fastened.
4. Use Warning Devices (Reflective Triangles or Flares)
Placing reflective triangles or flares around your vehicle can further alert drivers, especially in low-visibility situations. Ideally, position them a few yards behind your car to give other drivers enough time to react.
5. Lock Your Doors and Stay Aware
While rare, stranded drivers can occasionally attract opportunists. Lock your doors, especially if you’re alone or in an unfamiliar area, and stay alert to your surroundings. If anyone offers unsolicited assistance, it’s usually best to decline politely and wait for professional help.
6. Communicate with Your Towing Service
When calling for assistance, be as specific as possible about your location, including nearby landmarks, mile markers, or GPS coordinates if available. Many services have tracking capabilities, but clear communication ensures they reach you quickly.
7. Conserve Your Phone Battery
Keep your phone charged by limiting unnecessary calls or apps while waiting for assistance. In case your towing company needs to reach you for updates, you’ll want to ensure your phone is available.
8. Stay Calm and Patient
Being stranded is stressful, but staying calm is essential for your safety. Use this time to practice mindfulness or listen to relaxing music. Roadside assistance teams work hard to reach customers as quickly as possible, but in busy or adverse weather conditions, it may take a little extra time.
9. Prepare for the Weather
In extreme temperatures, it’s essential to keep comfortable and safe. During winter, stay inside the vehicle to retain warmth, but open a window slightly for ventilation if you’re running the heater. In hot weather, crack a window for airflow and drink water if you have any on hand.
10. Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle
Though not always immediately helpful, having an emergency kit can make future roadside incidents much more manageable. A basic kit should include items like water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a blanket, and reflective triangles.