There’s never a good time to have your car break down but breaking down at night can be particularly stressful. Safety becomes more of an issue as you wait for a tow truck to arrive, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle. Use these tips for staying safe during a nighttime breakdown.
Turn on Your Hazard Lights
The first thing you should do when you experience a breakdown is turn on your hazard lights. You should do this before you even try to move your vehicle, so that you’re as visible as possible to passing cars. Keeping your headlights on will also help. Ideally, you should turn on your hazard lights at the first indication of a problem with your car. Doing so will alert other vehicles that you may be slowing down or that you need some extra space.
Get Out of the Roadway
If possible, pull your car completely out of the roadway. If you’re in an area in which this isn’t possible or if your car can’t be moved to a safe position, make your car as noticeable to other vehicles as you can. If you have safety reflectors, flares, or emergency lighting in your car, now is the time to use them, as long as you can safely get out of the vehicle to place them. It is recommended to keep these items in your car for situations like these, so if you don’t have them, consider adding some to your car safety kit.
Call for Assistance
As soon as you have your car in the safest position possible, call for a tow truck. While you wait, stay with your car. Getting out of the vehicle makes it more difficult for passing cars to see you. Don’t accept assistance from anyone you haven’t called for help. If you believe you are in a dangerous situation and cannot wait for the tow truck, dial 911 for assistance.
At Barnett’s Towing, we offer fast and reliable towing services across the state, no matter how remote your location. For 24-hour tow service in Phoenix and throughout Arizona, call (800) 722-2302.
