Stay Safe While Waiting For Roadside Assistance With These Great Tips
Posted on: 5 November 2015
Breakdowns can happen at just about any moment, which is why you can never predict when you'll need emergency roadside assistance. After you've called for roadside assistance, from a professional service such as Airport Towing, you may find yourself killing time as you wait for your technician to arrive. Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe and sound while you wait.
Moving Your Vehicle Out of the Way
Keeping your vehicle out of the way of moving traffic should be one of your top priorities. Whenever possible, move your vehicle to the right-hand shoulder. If the road doesn't have a right-hand shoulder or if the shoulder has a sharp drop-off, then you may need to use the left-hand shoulder. As you pull over, move as far away from traffic as possible.
If you're traveling through an area containing shopping centers and other major buildings, then you'll want to pull into a brightly lit parking lot, if at all possible. Don't forget to leave enough space for your roadside assistance technician to get to your vehicle and, if necessary, have it towed to a nearby repair shop.
If you're driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic or if your vehicle loses power and quickly becomes immobilized, then you may find it impossible to pull over towards either shoulder. If your vehicle ends up being stuck in the middle of the road, don't risk your personal safety by pushing the vehicle out of the way. Instead, turn on your 4-way hazard lights and remain inside your vehicle until help arrives.
Staying Visible to Others
After you've pulled over, your next step is to make yourself seen by fellow motorists. As mentioned previously, you should turn on your 4-way hazard lights to make your vehicle seen by oncoming traffic. It also makes it easier for your emergency roadside assistance technician to see your vehicle. If you've broken down in a place where there's little to no light available, then you'll want to set down a road flare or other alternative form of emergency light.
You can also use reflective triangles to give other drivers advanced warning of your car's current position. Many modern vehicles carry reflective triangles as a part of their built-in emergency kit, although you should have a set included in your own emergency kit. Three triangles should be placed 10, 100 and 200 feet from the rear of your vehicle.
If you have to step out of your car for any reason, then you'll want to make yourself visible to traffic, as well. The best way to do this is with a fluorescent yellow or orange reflective safety jacket. Having a safety jacket can greatly improve your odds of being seen by fellow motorists, especially if you're wearing dark-colored clothing.
Keeping Yourself Out of Harm's Way
If you're still inside your vehicle waiting for roadside assistance, then you might be tempted to pass the time of on your smartphone or listening to some soothing music. However, you always want to keep an eye on your immediate surroundings to ensure your own personal safety. Don't forget to make sure your doors are locked. It's usually a good idea to keep them locked until roadside assistance or other emergency officials arrive on the scene.
If your vehicle's leaking fuel or if you fear that your vehicle may be struck from behind, however, get out as quickly as possible and move a safe distance away from your vehicle. Make sure you have your safety jacket on and be aware of your immediate surroundings as you wait for your technician.
When roadside assistance arrives, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you've kept yourself and fellow motorists safe by using the above tips.
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