Well-Built Towing and Roadside
10 Essential Roadside Safety Tips Every Driver Should Know
A vehicle breakdown can happen when you least expect it. whether you have a flat tire, dead battery, empty fuel tank or mechanical problem, knowing what to do can help protect you and other drivers.
The most important thing is to stay calm and focus on getting yourself and your passengers to a safe location. Here are 10 essential roadside safety tips every driver should know.
1. Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
If your vehicle is still drivable, carefully move it away from moving traffic. Pull onto the shoulder, parking lot or another safe area whenever possible.
Avoid stopping in a travel lane unless your vehicle cannot move. The farther you can get from passing traffic, the safer you and your passengers will be.
2. Turn On Your Hazard Lights
Turn on your hazard lights as soon as you realize you have a problem. They alert approaching drivers that your vehicle is stopped or moving slowly.
If you have roadside warning triangles or emergency flares, place them only when it is safe to leave your vehicle and according to local safety rules.
3. Stay Inside Your Vehicle When Appropriate
If you are stopped on a busy highway and there is no immediate danger inside the vehicle, staying buckled inside can be safer than standing near traffic.
Keep your doors locked and wait for professional roadside assistance. Do not stand behind or directly beside your vehicle where passing drivers may not see you.
4. Keep Your Seat Belt On
A stopped vehicle can still be stuck by another driver. If you remain inside, keep your seat belt fastened.
Make sure children and other passengers stay secured as well, especially when you are stopped along a busy roadway.
5. Becareful When Changing a Tire
A flat tire does not always mean you should immediately start changing it yourself. Changing a tire on a narrow highway shoulder can put you dangerously close to moving traffic.
If the location is unsafe, call a professional roadside assistance provider for tire service instead of taking unnecessary risks.
6. Do Not Walk Along a Busy Highway
If your vehicle break down, avoid walking along the roadway to find help. Paasing vehicles can make this extremly dangerous.
Use your phone to contact roadside assistance, law enforcement or another appropriate emergency service. Give them your exact location so they can find you quickly.
7. Watch for Your Surrounding at Night
Breakdowns at night can be specially difficult because other drivers may have trouble seeing you and your vehicle.
Keep your hazard lights on and use your vehicle’s interior lighting when needed. If you have a flaslight, keep it available for emergencies, but avoid standing in traffic to signal approaching vehicles.
8. Keep an Emergency Kit in your Vehicle
A basic emergency kit can be useful during a breakdown. Consider keeping items such as:
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First-aid supplies
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Reflective warning equipment
• Phone charger or power bank
• Bottled water
• Basic tools
• Work gloves
• Blanket or warm clothing
• Tire pressure gauge
Check your emergency supplies periodically and replace anything damaged, expired or missing.
9. Know Your Exact Location
When calling for roadside assistance, knowing where you are can save valuable time.
Look for highway exit numbers, street signs, mile markers, nearby businesses or recognizable landmarks. Your phone’s location services can also help provide your position.
If you are on a highway, tell the roadside technician which direction you are traveling and which side of the road you are on.
10. Call Professional Roadside Assistance
Not every breakdown is something you should handle yourself. A professional roadside assistance provider can help with common problems such as towing, flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts and emergency fuel delivery.
When calling, explain what happened and provide your vehicle’s location, make, model and any important safety information. This helps the service provider send the appropriate equipment and technician.
What Should You Do First During a Roadside Emergency?
Your first priority should always be safety. If possible, move the vehicle away from traffic, turn on your hazard lights, keep passengers in a safe location and contact the appropriate assistance.
Avoid atempting repairs in dangerous traffic conditions. Getting professional help is often safer than trying to fix the problem yourself on the side of a busy road.
Stay Prepared before a Breakdown Happens
Roadside emergencies are stresssful, but preparation can make them easier to handle. Keep your vehicle maintained, carry an emergency kit, save a relaible roadside assistance number and know what steps to take if your vehicle suddenly stops working.
Remember these 10 roadside safety tips before your next trip. A few minutes of preparation can make a major difference when you are dealing with an unexpected problem.