Whether it be from an accident, engine trouble, a dead battery, or a flat tire, your car broke down on the highway…what now? As you sit in your vehicle on the side of the road as cars, trucks, SUVs and tractor trailers whiz by, it’s easy to stress and panic. For this reason, it is important to be prepared and know what to do in this type of emergency roadside situation. Keep your cool and minimize confusion and stress by following these tips of what to do when your car breaks down on the highway.
Keeping your car up-to date with preventative maintenance and repairs is one of the best things you can do to avoid a breakdown, but no matter how prepared you are – stuff happens! If your car happens to break down on a busy highway or interstate, it not only puts you at risk, but it puts other drivers at risk as well.
My car broke down.. now what? If your car broke down while driving, follow these tips immediately:
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Move your car off the road.
Moving vehicles don’t typically stop working entirely, so usually you will have a little bit of time and momentum to get your car to the side of the road. When you make it safely to the shoulder of the road, put the car in park, set the emergency brake, and rotate your steering wheel away from the road. You will also want to flip on your hazard lights to make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers. If you cannot make it to the side of the road, turn your hazard lights on and do NOT get out of the car while, especially if you’re on a busy highway.
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Call for help.
When you are safely out of harm’s way, assess the situation and call for help. You can also reduce stress in this situation by having a set of emergency numbers ready, so you don’t have to look them up. Helpful numbers would include the police, loved ones, emergency roadside assistance number such as Marietta Wrecker Service, who can be reached at (770) 422-6614.
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Turn on your hazards to signal to other drivers that you’re NOT moving.
Even if it is daytime you should turn on your hazard lights. This will tell other drivers that your vehicle is disabled. It will also make it easier for other drivers to see your car, especially at night. The hazard lights button is usually located near the steering column or dashboard and has a red, triangular icon on it.
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Stay where it is safest for you.
According to the CDC, over 5,000 pedestrians are killed on average each year in the US from traffic related accidents.If you break down on a busy highway, and you feel it’s safer to stay in your vehicle, go with your instincts and stay inside with your seat belt on. If you’ve pulled over to the right shoulder of the road and it’s safe to get out, exit your vehicle through the passenger door so that you’re further away from traffic. Don’t forget to be careful and look both ways while walking near the road, even if you’re technically off it.
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Keep these items in your car
Be prepared for a roadside emergency by keeping the following items in your vehicle:
- Cellphone
- Cellphone charger
- Emergency service info, such as phone numbers
- Reflectors or flares
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
If your car breaks down on a highway, you will most likely require emergency roadside service. It is important to know what to do from the time your car breaks down to when an emergency roadside repair service arrives.
24/7 Emergency Roadside Service
If your car breaks down while driving, keep these tips in mind and contact us to provide our emergency roadside assistance or give you a tow. At Marietta Wrecker Service, we offer a wide range of professional roadside towing service for your vehicle at fair and honest prices. Call us today at (770) 422-6614. We offer a wide range of roadside towing services for your vehicle at fair and honest prices.