Experiencing a breakdown on the freeway can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. However, knowing the right steps to take can help ensure your safety and minimize any further complications. In this blog post, the experts from Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance share a guide on what to do if your car breaks down on the freeway or other highway.
Stay Calm & Assess the Situation
First, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Assess your situation quickly. Determine whether you can safely steer your vehicle to the shoulder or an emergency lane. If your vehicle is in a precarious position, it’s crucial to act fast but carefully.
Signal Your Intentions
Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that you’re having trouble. If you have a reflective triangle or road flares, set them up behind your car to create additional visibility and alertness for passing vehicles.
Move to a Safe Area
If possible, steer your car to the shoulder of the road or a safe area away from traffic. The farther away from the roadway, the better. If you can’t move your car, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
Call for Help
Once you’re in a safe position, call for roadside assistance or a tow service. If you’re a member of an automobile club or have a roadside assistance plan through your insurance, use that service. Be prepared to provide information about your location, the nature of the breakdown, and any other relevant details.
Use Your Phone Wisely
If you have a smartphone, share your location with a family member or friend so they know where you are. Avoid making phone calls that can distract you or others if you’re near traffic.
Stay Inside Your Vehicle
If you’re on a busy freeway, it’s safer to stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked until help arrives. If it’s safe and you can do so without being in the way of traffic, you may exit the vehicle and wait at a safe distance.
Be Cautious of Strangers
While you might feel tempted to accept help from strangers, it’s essential to prioritize your safety. If someone stops to offer assistance, it’s best to keep your distance and wait for professional help.
Prepare for Towing of Your Vehicle
When the tow truck arrives, ensure they are from a reputable service. Confirm their identity before allowing them to assist you. If your car needs to be towed, take note of where it will be taken for future reference.
Reflect on Preventative Measures
After the incident, reflect on what led to the breakdown. Regular maintenance checks, including tire pressure, oil changes, and battery health, can help prevent future breakdowns. Consider keeping an emergency kit in your car with items like water, snacks, a flashlight, and basic tools.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
Breaking down on the freeway can be intimidating, but following these steps can help ensure your safety and facilitate a smoother resolution to the situation. Always prioritize safety first, and remember that preparation can make all the difference in avoiding a breakdown or dealing with one when it happens. If a breakdown does occur for you, call the professionals from Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance to help. With quick and reliable service and transportation to transport your car where it needs to be, Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance can handle it all. Call Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance for all your towing needs.
