Having your vehicle break down in the middle of the road can be a scary experience. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and other drivers. Of course, calling for a tow is one thing you should do quickly whenever you experience any kind of breakdown, but there are a few other things you should do as well. Follow these steps if your vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road.
Turn on Your Hazard Lights
At the first sign that something is wrong with your car, turn on your hazard lights to alert other vehicles to the issue. If it is dark outside or if you’re a blind curve on a road, your hazard lights will make you more visible to other drivers. Even if visibility is not an issue, turning on your hazards give other drivers notice that you’re having an issue with your car, so that they can give you a wide berth. Leave your hazards on, if possible, until your tow arrives.
Try to Move Your Vehicle to the Side
Although it is not always possible, you should move your vehicle to the side of the road if you can. When you sense a problem is happening with your vehicle, steer to the roadside as much as possible. If the car stops in the lane—and you can do so safely and have passengers who can help—try to push the car to the side of the road. If your vehicle is stuck in a lane and you can’t move it, stay in the vehicle and don’t try to fix it, as you could be hit by oncoming traffic.
Call for a Tow Truck
Call a tow truck company to get your vehicle towed to a repair shop. Let them know if you are in the middle of the road so that they can prepare accordingly. If your vehicle is disrupting traffic, you should also call the police for assistance.
Barnett’s Towing is available to help whenever your vehicle breaks down, 24 hours per day. When you need a tow in Phoenix or across the state of Arizona, call us at (800) 722-2302.
