How To Survive A Highway Breakdown
Posted on: 17 September 2021
A highway breakdown is a motorist's worst fear. While getting stuck is never fun, getting stuck on the highway presents many unique challenges and dangers. Making the wrong decisions can be hazardous for you, your passengers, or other motorists, and may even put you at risk of creating a severe accident.
If you have to stop on the highway, there are a few critical safety steps that you'll need to follow. These three tips will help you safely wait for your tow truck's arrival without creating an even more precarious situation.
1. Pick the Best Spot to Pull Over
If something is wrong with your car, you'll need to make some decisions pretty quickly. Problems such as flat tires or failed alternators won't patiently wait for you to find a parking space. In these situations, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions and immediately pull as far onto the soft shoulder as you can. You want other drivers to understand what you're doing, so only use your hazards after stopping.
You may have a few seconds to decide what to do for less immediate situations, such as when your car is beginning to overheat. Look for the widest spot possible on the side of the road before following the same steps as above. While it might be tempting to try to exit the highway, you shouldn't do so unless you're sure you won't get stuck in the exit lane.
2. Make Yourself Visible
Keep your lights and hazards on, even during the day. If there's a problem with your engine, turn your vehicle off as soon as you stop to avoid causing further damage. You can make yourself more visible if you have road flares or warning triangles, but never step out of your vehicle onto the highway. Scoot over to the passenger seat and exit away from the road if you can. If you can't, stay inside your car.
Under no circumstances should you ever stand near your car while parked on the side of the highway. Not only does this put you at severe risk if another motorist hits your car, but other drivers are unlikely to see you standing there. If you're going to exit your vehicle, stand as far away from the highway as you can while you wait for a tow.
3. Provide Good Directions
Highways often lack accessible landmarks, so be sure to provide good directions for your tow driver to find you. Mile markers are the most helpful information you can provide, but it's also beneficial to remember the last exit you passed. Describing where and how you're parked will also help the towing company decide on the best way to recover your vehicle.
Getting stuck on the highway is a potentially dangerous situation, so it's crucial to treat it with the respect it deserves. By following these tips, you'll be able to get your car and yourself back to safety with as little risk as possible. Talk to a local 24-hour towing service to learn more.
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