Breaking down on the side of the road is never fun, but when it happens at night, it can feel even more stressful and unsafe. Whether you’re on a deserted road or a busy freeway, knowing what to do can keep you safe and help get you back on track faster. Today, we at Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to offer a step-by-step guide to help you stay calm, stay safe, and get help when your car breaks down at night.
Stay Calm & Pull Over Safely
The first thing to do is stay calm. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that something is wrong. If possible, steer your vehicle to the shoulder or a safe area away from traffic. If you’re on a highway, try to exit if there’s an off-ramp nearby. The goal is to avoid staying in an active lane.
Turn On Your Lights
Visibility is everything at night. Keep your hazard lights flashing. If you have road flares, cones, or an emergency reflective triangle, set them up behind your vehicle to give other drivers plenty of warning. If your lights are out, use a flashlight or the light on your phone to signal your presence, just be cautious of passing vehicles if you’re outside the car.
Stay Inside the Vehicle
Unless it’s absolutely necessary to get out (like if the car is on fire or in a dangerous location), it’s usually safest to stay inside the vehicle with the doors locked. Keep your seatbelt fastened if you’re close to traffic. If someone offers help, it’s okay to crack the window slightly and talk, but never exit the vehicle or accept a ride from a stranger.
Call for Help
Use your phone to call a reliable 24-hour towing service or roadside assistance provider. Make sure to describe your location as accurately as possible. If you’re unsure of where you are, use the GPS on your phone or look for road signs, mile markers, or nearby landmarks. If you don’t have roadside coverage, search online for “tow truck near me” and choose a reputable company with good reviews.
Communicate Clearly
Once help is on the way, stay by your phone in case the towing service needs to reach you. Give them a clear description of your car, location, and any issues you’ve noticed. Let someone you trust know what’s happening, too—especially if you’re in a remote area or traveling alone.
Be Prepared Next Time
Breakdowns are often unpredictable, but you can reduce the stress by keeping an emergency kit in your car. Include essentials like a flashlight, battery pack for your phone, water, blankets, jumper cables, and reflective warning devices. Regular maintenance also helps prevent sudden breakdowns.
Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
A car breakdown at night can be unnerving, but knowing what steps to take makes a huge difference. Prioritize your safety, stay visible, and contact a trusted towing service as soon as possible. The right preparation and a cool head can turn a stressful situation into just another story to tell. Call Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance for your towing needs.
