What to Do When Stranded on the Roadside: A Complete Guide

Few situations are more stressful than being stranded on the side of a road with a disabled vehicle. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, engine trouble, or any other mechanical failure, knowing how to handle the situation can make all the difference for your safety and peace of mind.

Immediate Safety Steps

1. Move to safety if possible: If your vehicle is still operational, try to pull over to the shoulder as far away from traffic as possible. On highways, exit if you can reach the next off-ramp safely.
2. Turn on hazard lights: Immediately activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your presence.
3. Use visibility tools: If it’s safe to exit your vehicle, place reflective triangles or flares 50, 100, and 150 feet behind your vehicle (in the direction of approaching traffic). During daylight hours, raising your hood can signal to others that you need assistance.
4. Stay with your vehicle: In most situations, it’s safest to remain with your vehicle rather than attempting to walk along a busy road. Your vehicle provides protection and makes you easier for help to locate.

Assessing the Situation

1. Determine your location: Note nearby exits, mile markers, or landmarks to help roadside assistance locate you quickly.
2. Evaluate the problem: Can you safely identify what’s wrong with your vehicle? Sometimes simple issues like a flat tire can be addressed temporarily if you have the proper tools and knowledge.
3. Check your resources: Do you have access to food, water, warm clothing, or a charged phone? Take inventory of what’s available to you.

Getting Help

1. Contact roadside assistance: If you have a roadside assistance membership through your insurance, automobile club, or vehicle manufacturer, call them first.
2. Call a reliable tow service: When you need professional towing assistance, visit Find A Tow Service Directory to locate reputable towing companies in your area.
3. Emergency situations: If you feel unsafe or are in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.

While Waiting for Help

1. Conserve phone battery: Make necessary calls, then turn down screen brightness and close unnecessary apps to preserve battery life.
2. Conserve fuel: Only run your engine periodically to maintain warmth in cold weather. Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow or debris to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
3. Stay visible: Keep your hazard lights on and stay inside your vehicle with seatbelts fastened, especially if you’re on a busy road.

Prevention for Future Trips

1. Regular vehicle maintenance: Keep up with scheduled maintenance checks to prevent breakdowns.
2. Emergency kit: Maintain a well-stocked emergency kit including jumper cables, basic tools, first-aid supplies, flashlight, non-perishable food, water, and warm clothing.
3. Roadside assistance plan: Consider investing in a roadside assistance plan through your insurance provider or an automobile club.

Useful Resources

• Federal Highway Administration Safety Program: Information on road safety and emergency procedures.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Comprehensive resources on vehicle safety and emergency protocols.
• Ready.gov – Car Safety: Official government guidance on preparing for roadside emergencies.
• State Department of Transportation: Access your state’s specific roadside assistance programs and information.

Remember that preparation is key to handling roadside emergencies safely. By knowing what to do ahead of time and having the right resources at your fingertips, you can turn a potentially dangerous situation into a manageable inconvenience.

Need immediate assistance? Visit Find A Tow Service to connect with professional towing services in your area.