Nothing is more disheartening and worrisome than car troubles while you’re on the road. You may find yourself stuck on the side of the road for many reasons. Blown tires, overheating, dead batteries and general stalls can make a simple outing turn into a dangerous and exhausting situation. It will happen to all of us at some time and you will probably react in one of two ways; you will either panic or play it smart.
Handling Common Roadside Emergencies the Smart Way
1. Move off the road during a breakdown. The first thing you need to do is move your car off the road, as quickly and safely as possible. Try and move into an emergency lane, rest stop, wide shoulder or a parking lot. Never ever stop in traffic.
2. Alert other drivers when broken down. Turn the hazard lights on to let people know you are having an issue and not just taking a break.
3. Stay in the car until you’re out of danger. It is very dangerous to get out of your car if you’re in the flow of traffic. If you can’t get out, you’ll need to stay put for safety reasons.
4. Safely exit the car when stranded. If it is safe, get out on the opposite side of traffic, even if you have, do it on the passenger side. Once you’re out, pop the hood. It’s best to keep other drivers away from your car while you wait for help.
5. Increase your visibility when stuck on side of road. You can use flares or triangles to mark your location. It will let other drivers know you’re having a problem with your car.
6. Call for towing & roadside assistance help. Whether you need a jump start or a tow to the nearest repair shop, contact a reputable company for help.
7. Stay with your car. Always wait for help to arrive before you leave your car. It’s better to meet the tow truck driver at your car rather than a nearby taco shop.
8. Have roadside emergency supplies on hand. It’s always best to be prepared. Having a first aid kit, a blanket and water with you will be comforting if you should need them.
9. Put your hood down. Once the problem has been taken care or the tow truck has arrived, you can put the hood back down and pick up the flares or triangles.
10. Clean up the scene. Pick up anything you left behind because littering is not nice and broken car parts can become a road hazard.
Tips to Prevent a Car Breakdown
Avoid a roadside emergency in the future by:
• Checking your tires
• Maintaining engine coolant level
• Keeping jumper cables in your car
• Being prepared for a breakdown with a kit that may include a car cellphone charger, snack and flashlight with extra batteries. Your kit can be customized if you have children and pets.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cockrell Hill, Combine, Coppell, DeSoto, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Glenn Heights, Grapevine, Highland Park, Hutchins, Lancaster, Lewisville, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Wilmer, Wylie, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas
These tips can be helpful if you’ve got a flat tire, dead battery, an empty gas tank or you’re stranded on the side of the road for any reason. The next step is to contact Citywide Towing Service for roadside assistance or towing services.
