If you can’t find your cell phone, turn on the hazards, place flares, and write “CALL POLICE” on a piece of paper and tape it to your back window. If possible, park far away from the road and put a note on your windshield. If you can’t get roadside assistance, walk to a safe place and wait for help. Depending on how far the breakdown is from the road, you may be able to call the police yourself.
Avoiding a breakdown
When your car breaks down, you don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere. The last thing you need is to be stranded on the highway, and if that’s the case, you can avoid a breakdown by taking a few precautions. First of all, make sure your vehicle is filled with water and food. If possible, swap them out periodically. Another good idea is to always keep a flashlight and extra batteries in your car.
Next, if you can, get out of the car as quickly as possible. Your car breaking down in the middle of a busy highway is a nightmare situation for you, and it can also create panic for other drivers. However, there are several steps you can take to minimize the stress and remain calm in such a situation. For starters, preventive maintenance is always the best solution. Modern cars are notorious for having technical faults that aren’t always easy to fix. Keyless ignition can drain batteries faster, and tire-inflation kits may not work.
Signaling to other drivers
If you have a mechanical failure, you can signal to other motorists by flashing your hazard lights. A hazard light is a large triangle button found on your steering wheel or center console. It can also be as simple as a brightly colored cloth tied to the antenna on the radio. If you don’t have hazard lights, you can place a traffic cone six feet behind the car to give passing motorists enough time to react.
While the proper use of a signal can be tricky, it is essential for the safety of others. It is dangerous to assume that other motorists will understand your intentions and react appropriately. It is better to be safe than sorry. It is also a good idea to signal to other drivers before changing lanes, merging into traffic, or pulling over. You can also use your signal when you are passing another car. Remember to signal, even if you don’t see other cars, to give them time to react.
Getting roadside assistance
If you do not have roadside assistance, you should get one. It is a good idea to keep the phone number handy and carry a cell phone charger. You should also purchase a roadside emergency kit, which should include a flashlight, jumper cables, and duct tape. Also, purchase a spare tire. Keep water bottles and nonperishable food in your car, in case you get stranded in an unfamiliar area.
The cost of roadside assistance plans varies. You can get them from your vehicle’s manufacturer or an insurance provider. Some plans can be combined with other services, such as emergency roadside service, to save money. Make sure you compare plans and choose the best one for your situation. Getting roadside assistance when your car breaks down is a good idea, no matter how far you drive. It can save you a lot of frustration and money in a time of need.
Getting your car off the road
When you break down, the most important thing to do is to get your car as far off the road as possible, out of the way of other road users. Using the emergency brake, angle the wheels away from the road. If you can’t move the vehicle yourself, call a breakdown service or a local garage for assistance. While waiting for help, open the bonnet to alert other road users that you need assistance.
If you’re alone, you can call 9-1-1. This is your first line of defense in an emergency and the fastest and safest way to get help. Make sure you get as much information as possible before calling. You can also request assistance from a towing service. If you’re stuck on a mountain road with no shoulder space, you can call 911 for help. In addition, if the road is busy, the police may be able to help you get off the road.
Staying safe if your car breaks down
If you’re traveling on a busy highway and your car breaks down, staying safe is a top priority. Not only are you putting yourself at risk, but other motorists can become nervous as well. There are a few ways to stay calm and minimize the stress involved. First, do as much preventive maintenance as possible, even if it doesn’t seem like a priority. Some cars have hard-to-repair technical issues that can make getting out of your car a challenge. Keyless ignition and tire-inflation kits can drain batteries faster, so always check those before you drive.
When a car breaks down, stay calm and call for roadside assistance. Be sure to warn other drivers that you’re having trouble. Putting on hazard lights may not help, so try placing a flare or LED emergency light at least fifty feet away from your vehicle. It’s also important to remain in your car and fasten your seatbelt until help arrives. It’s also important to contact the police and let them know you’re having trouble, as well as any witnesses.
