Question By: Breaking down on the highway can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation, especially with fast-moving traffic all around. Knowing what to do first can keep you safe and help get you back on the road more quickly.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do is remain calm. Panic can lead to poor decisions. Quickly assess what went wrong — did you hear a strange noise? Did the engine cut out? Recognizing the issue might help you explain it better when you call for assistance.
2. Pull Over Safely
If your car is still moving, turn on your hazard lights and try to coast to the right shoulder of the road. Aim for a flat, visible area away from traffic. If you’re on a busy highway, avoid stopping on curves or near entrances/exits where visibility is limited.
3. Turn on Hazard Lights
Keep your hazard lights on to alert other drivers that your vehicle is disabled. This is especially important at night or in bad weather when visibility is poor.
4. Stay Inside If It’s Unsafe Outside
Unless you’re in immediate danger (like smoke or fire), it’s usually safest to stay inside your car with your seatbelt on. Exiting on a busy highway can be risky.
5. Call for Roadside Assistance
Use your phone to contact a roadside assistance service, local mechanic, or emergency services if needed. Provide clear information about your location, which can often be found via mile markers or GPS.
6. Use Roadside Emergency Tools
If you have cones, flares, or a reflective triangle, place them behind your car to increase visibility.
In short, your safety is the priority. Get out of traffic, stay visible, and call for help as soon as possible. Visit https://bltowing.com/blog/top-5-reasons-drivers-in-nj-call-for-emergency-roadside-repairs/ to know more.
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