Get Help: 4 Steps To Take When You Break Down On The Highway
When your car breaks down on the highway, you need to get help as fast as possible. The best way to do that is to call for roadside assistance. If you don't have a roadside assistance plan, you might think you're out of luck. That's not the case. You can sign up for a roadside assistance plan at any time. You can also call for roadside assistance when you don't have a policy. If you've never called for roadside assistance before, read the list provided below. Here are four tips to keep you safe when you break down on a highway.
Get to the Side of the Road
If your car breaks down, the first thing you should do is get to safety. That includes moving your car to the side of the road. You might think you should keep your car where it stops, but that's not the case. When you keep your car on the road, you create a safety hazard for other drivers. Plus, you put yourself at risk for an accident. That's why you should move your car off the road.
Make Your Vehicle Visible
If your car becomes disabled while you're on a busy highway, increase visibility right away. Start by turning on the hazard lights in your car. Leave the hazard lights on until help arrives. If you have emergency flares, set those up around your car if it's safe to leave your car. If you don't have emergency flares, or you can't get out of the car, you can hang a piece of cloth out your window. Making your car visible also helps flag down roadside assistance.
Notify the Local Police
If you can't move your car to the side of the road, you'll need to notify local law enforcement. The police can come out to secure the scene until roadside assistance can arrive. That includes placing emergency flares and diverting traffic away from your car. If your car's disabled on a busy highway, call 911 for assistance.
Know the Surroundings
If you're waiting for roadside assistance, know your surroundings. That's especially important if you want to get out of the car. If you're stuck in traffic, don't try to leave your car. You could get struck by a passing motorist. If you're on the side of the road, you can leave your car. But, move as far off the road as you can.
For more info about roadside assistance, contact a local company.
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