Stay Safe After A Highway Car Breakdown

If your car breaks down on the highway, it can result in a stressful and dangerous situation for you. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,735 pedestrians were killed in 2013 in motor vehicle accidents. Another 66,000 pedestrians were injured. How can you and your passengers stay safe if your car breaks down on the highway?

Move to a Safe Location

When the engine begins to smoke or the tire blows, the first step is moving off the road, out of the flow of traffic. Driving until you reach a safe pull-off spot is worth it, even if it means causing permanent damage to the wheel rim. When a car breakdown occurs while traveling at highway speeds, sudden stopping can be dangerous to other motorists around you. Slowly take your foot off the gas as you direct the car as far to the right as possible, to a visible, even location. Put on your hazard lights to signal distress to surrounding motorists, and signal with your blinker when you pull into the breakdown lane. Try to reach an exit if possible. Engage the emergency brake when parked.

Call for Help and Set Up Alerts

Once the car is in a safe pull-off spot, call a local towing company. Explain your current position and they will know whether a police escort is necessary to ensure safe retrieval of your car. If your vehicle is in a precarious location, call the police right away. If the vehicle has stopped in the middle of the roadway, do not attempt to physically push it into the breakdown lane. If it is in the right lane and you can safely exit through the passenger side door, get out and pop open the engine hood and set up reflective markers or flares behind and in front of the car if it is safe to do so. At night, turn on the interior lights in your car to further alert other motorists of your stopped vehicle. If you decide to go for help, first make sure the hazard lights are on, then proceed on foot to the next exit. Walking on the highway is extremely dangerous, so only take this course of action if you cannot safely wait in your car.

Waiting for Assistance

While waiting for help to arrive, stay in your car with your safety belt fastened and the doors locked. If a stranger stops and approaches your vehicle, do not open the door. You may roll the window down slightly to speak with the person, but the safest route is to wait for law enforcement or a tow truck.

Do not attempt to change a flat tire on the highway unless the flat is located on the right-hand side of the vehicle, safely removed from oncoming traffic. In all circumstances, it’s wiser to wait for professional towing or law enforcement vehicles to arrive before replacing a tire.

Always trust Stauffer’s Towing when you experience a highway car breakdown – they offer emergency roadside assistance in all locations and weather conditions.