Roadside emergencies are rare, yet that doesn’t help stop the anxiety that you feel when you think about being stuck on the side of the road. Although keeping your car maintained prevents most roadside emergencies, all it takes is a blown out tire or collision with another vehicle to put you in danger.
Knowing what to do before you experience a car problem gives you confidence when you do find yourself stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow. For this reason, it is important for every driver to be aware of these key roadside safety strategies.
Have a Roadside Emergency Bag
It is important to have a few pieces of safety gear to get you through an emergency situation. Fill a bag with essential items such as jumper cables and an air pump that can help you get your car going again during a minor vehicle crisis.
Your roadside emergency kit should also have items that can help you stay comfortable during a long wait in inclement weather. For example, a blanket, a flashlight and a bottle of water. Make sure to include a pen and paper in your kit along with the number to your towing service in case your phone loses battery.
Pull Over to a Safe Location
In most cases, you should be able to pull your car over to the side of the road. If you do have a problem in an area where it is unsafe to stop, then use your turn signal and move to the right lane until you reach a safe shoulder for stopping. Try to avoid stopping in a blind spot such as around a curve or on a hill, if possible.
Increase Your Visibility
Once you have stopped your car in a safe location, you want to make sure that other drivers are aware of your presence. Exit your car from the side that is safe after you check to make sure that you are not in the way of oncoming traffic. Then, set up your flares and turn on your car’s hazard lights to alert everyone that you are pulled over.
Call for Emergency Assistance
There are times when you may need to call for a police or medical response before you make arrangements for a tow. For instance, a vehicle accident must be reported to the local authorities, and you may need medical care if you sustained an injury.
You may also need to contact the emergency services if your car breaks down in an unsafe area such as the middle of the freeway. If the weather is severe and poses a risk to your health you should consider calling the authorities. Once help is on the way, then you can arrange for a tow service to arrive and assist with your car.
Gather Your Details
When calling for a tow, it always helps to provide as much information as possible. Try to provide the tow company with details such as your current location and any landmarks that can help the driver locate you quickly. If you are waiting at a different location, then make sure they know that information as well.
Don’t Accept Help From Strangers
It is comforting to know that people will stop to help in a crisis, yet you also want to avoid putting yourself in danger. Never accept a ride from a stranger, and don’t let a non-professional work on your car. Instead, wait for professional help so that you do not risk personal harm or damage to your vehicle.
We understand how scary it is to find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Dean’s Wrecker Service is a professional towing service that can help you if you’re ever in a roadside emergency.
