Your car broke down in the middle of the road, now what do you do? No need to panic, these things happen to even the most experienced car owners from time to time. You simply need to have your emergency plan in place. It’s always good to know what to do in case of situations like this and you’ll feel a lot more confident on the road knowing that you can take care of yourself even in a stressful time like this. We’ve put together some information on things you need to do right away if your car malfunctions in the middle of the road.
What to do if you break down
Breaking down in the middle of the road can be both dangerous and scary, particularly if you’re on an expressway. If possible you’ll want to try and get to the hard shoulder to get out of the way of coming traffic. If however, this isn’t possible there are still steps that you can take to remain safe until help arrives. Texas is a great place to live and of course, because of this is a lot of people living and driving in the state. It’s important that you having things like care insurance, roadside assistance, and towing services in order in case of emergency. If you’re using a towing service you want to make sure that this towing service in texas city is one if not the best. It’s if you need help you want the best to help you so make sure to do your research. Here are some things you should do right away.
Try to remain calm and collected as you work your way through getting yourself and your vehicle to safety where possible.
1. Get to a safe place
If possible move your vehicle off the road. If you’re on the motorway and you aren’t able to turn off at the nearest existing the best thing to do is pull onto the hard shoulder. Make sure that you are as far into the shoulder as you can be with your wheels turned in as well. Cars can notice too late that you aren’t moving and if you’re too far into the road it is possible to be hit from the back. It’s not only dangerous for you and the other person but you can end up with more damages than the initial issue.
2. Turn on your hazard lights
Turn on your hazard lights to give a warning to other nearby vehicles. It helps to make other drivers aware that there is a situation and they need to slow down and be cautious. It is also a way to be seen clearly especially at night and on foggy evenings and mornings. You can also turn on your sidelights at these times as well to increase visibility.
3. Get as far away from moving traffic as you can
It’s best and safest if you get out of your car. Make sure to get out of the vehicle on the side facing away from traffic and wait behind a barrier or other safe zone. Want to this because it is possible to be hit by oncoming traffic that doesn’t see your vehicle in time. Also depending on what is wrong with your car, there is the possibility of an explosion and you wouldn’t want to be trapped inside and get hurt.
4. Wear light reflective clothing or other items
Put on a jacket, armband, hat, etc that has a high visibility strip on it. This will keep you safe and allow you to be seen by other drivers. Again you don’t want to accidentally be hit because the driver or drivers aren’t able to see you.
5. Use a warning triangle only where it’s safe
Don’t put a warning triangle on the hard shoulder. However, you can place it a few yards away from your vehicle where there is road space to do so. This gives an additional warning to oncoming traffic a good distance away from your car.
6. Call for assistance
Once you’ve followed all of the above suggestions, call for assistance. Call your insurance company, roadside assistance, a family member or friend, or a tow truck. Once you know help is on the way you can breathe a little easier but continue to be cautious as you wait for them to arrive.
If you don’t have a mobile to call for assistance try to walk to the nearest service station or any store for that matter to call for help. You may also find a kind motorist who will stop to lend a hand. Make sure that you follow these steps to not only keep yourself safe until help arrives but also to keep other drivers safe. Not doing these things can make the situation more dangerous than it has to be. As a driver your need to consider the safety of yourself and others on the road.