Car breakdowns can be stressful, especially if you’re on the highway. If your car breaks down, remaining calm and knowing what steps to take can help keep you safe and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
When your car breaks down on the highway, it’s easy to panic. However, staying calm and assessing the situation will help you make the best decisions for your safety.
First, pull over to the side of the road as safely as possible. If you can, get your car off the road and onto the shoulder. Once you’re stopped, turn on your hazard lights and put on your parking brake.
Stay Visible and Safe
Once you’re off the road, getting out of your car can be dangerous. Make sure to stay visible to other drivers by keeping your hazard lights on. If you have a reflective vest or triangle, put it on or place it behind your car to warn other drivers of your presence.
If you must get out of your car, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. If possible, stay inside your car with the doors locked until help arrives.
Call for Assistance
Once you’re safe, it’s time to call for assistance. If you have a cell phone, call 911 or the non-emergency number for your local police department. They will be able to send a tow truck or a police officer to help you.
If you don’t have a cell phone, see if you can flag down another driver for help. If you can, ask them to call for assistance or give you a ride to the nearest gas station or repair shop.
Gather Necessary Information
Before you call for assistance, gather as much information as possible about your vehicle and its location. This will help the dispatcher send the appropriate help and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
The information you need to gather includes:
- Your vehicle’s make, model, and year
- Your vehicle’s license plate number
- Your location (including the name of the highway and the nearest mile marker)
- The nature of the problem (if you know what it is)
Wait for Help to Arrive
Once you’ve called for assistance, it’s time to wait for help to arrive. Stay in your car and stay safe. If possible, move to the passenger seat so that you can be away from traffic.
If you’re feeling scared or anxious, try to stay calm and remind yourself that help is on the way. Take deep breaths and focus on staying positive.
Stay Informed
While you’re waiting for help to arrive, stay informed about the status of your situation. If you called 911, check in with the dispatcher regularly to get updates on the ETA of the tow truck or police officer.
If you’re waiting for a tow truck, call the towing company to get an estimated time of arrival. This will help you plan your next steps and make arrangements for transportation if necessary.