Protecting Against The Dangers Of Night Towing
There is no denying the dangers of night towing — for tow truck drivers, vehicle drivers and other motorists on the road. But when a car breaks down on the roadside in the dark, removing it as soon as possible is the priority to ensure the roadways are safe. If your vehicle breaks down on the highway or in a remote area at night, follow this guide to increase your own personal safety and that of the helpful tow truck driver coming to your aid.
Drivers Should Put Safety First
When your vehicle begins to stall or smoke, quickly navigate to the highway’s breakdown lane. On a side street, pull over as far as possible so as not to block the passage of other cars. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle on your own, even if it only requires a fast tire change. Do not set out on foot to the nearest gas station — stay with the car and inside the vehicle, as long as it is safe to do so. Be extremely wary of motorists or random tow truck drivers who stop to help. You have no way of knowing their true intentions.
Make the Vehicle Easy to Spot
Immediately turn on the emergency hazard lights. If your car emergency kit includes flares or reflective cones, set them up behind, next to and in front of your vehicle, then immediately get back inside the car. Enter and exit the car on the side closest to the curb, not the driver’s side where you may interrupt the flow of traffic.
Communicate Clearly with Tow Truck Dispatcher
Once you have deduced your exact location, call for emergency help. At nighttime, it is even more vital for tow truck drivers to receive an accurate reading of the breakdown location, especially in remote areas. Try to remember which highway marker you are closest to, or recite the landmarks you passed before the breakdown occurred. If you are in a precarious position, describe the issue to the dispatcher so he or she can attempt to contact local authorities to divert passing motorists around your stalled vehicle.
Listen to the Tow Truck Driver’s Instructions
Once the professional towing technicians arrive on the scene, listen to their advice. They have years of experience dealing with dangerous night towing situations. They may instruct you to stay in your vehicle until they set up the winch for hookup. Once they are ready to attach your car to their lift, they may ask you and your companions to wait inside the tow truck cabin. For the safety of you and your passengers, make sure you promptly follow their instructions.
Contact Stauffer’s Towing when you need helpful, prompt assistance with towing your broken-down vehicle at night.
