A car breakdown is a stressful and jarring experience, especially when it happens on a busy highway. The sudden loss of power, the unfamiliar noises, and the speed of surrounding traffic can create a sense of panic. However, knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference in keeping you safe and getting the help you need quickly. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step plan for handling a car breakdown on the highway, from the initial moment of trouble to the arrival of professional towing services.
Following these procedures will not only ensure your safety but also streamline the process of getting roadside assistance, turning a potentially dangerous situation into a manageable one.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Visibility Immediately
The moment you realize your car is failing, your primary focus should be on getting your vehicle to a safe location and making it as visible as possible to other drivers. High-speed traffic poses the biggest threat, so quick, calm actions are crucial.
Maneuver to the Roadside
As soon as you notice a problem—whether it’s a flashing dashboard light, a loss of acceleration, or a strange noise—try to move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic. The right-hand shoulder is the safest place. Avoid sudden movements or braking. Use your turn signal to indicate your intention to change lanes and pull over. Guide your car smoothly to the shoulder, aiming to get as far away from the active lanes as possible. If you cannot make it to the right shoulder, the left shoulder is the next best option. Never stop in a middle lane unless your vehicle has died completely and cannot be moved.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
Your hazard lights are the universal signal for distress. The moment you pull over, activate them. This is the single most important action you can take to alert other drivers that your vehicle is stationary and that they need to proceed with caution. Leave them on for the entire duration you are stopped, even during daylight hours. Good visibility is key to preventing a secondary collision. For added visibility at night, you can also turn on your interior dome light, which can help other drivers see that the vehicle is occupied and stationary.
Engage Your Parking Brake
Once you are safely on the shoulder, put your car in park and engage the parking brake. This ensures your vehicle will not roll, which is especially important if you are on a slight incline. This simple step adds an extra layer of security, keeping your car stable while you wait for help.
Step 2: Assess Your Situation and Secure the Vehicle
With your car safely on the shoulder and highly visible, the next step is to assess your immediate environment and decide on the safest course of action. This decision will depend on your location, the traffic volume, and the weather.
Should You Stay In or Get Out?
In most cases, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened. Highway traffic moves at high speeds, and the risk of being struck by a passing car is significant. Your vehicle provides a protective barrier. Stay in your car, especially if you are on a narrow shoulder, a bridge, or an overpass.
However, there are exceptions. If you smell gasoline, see smoke coming from the engine, or fear your vehicle could be hit from behind due to its position, you should exit carefully. If you must leave the car, exit from the passenger side, away from traffic. Move a safe distance away from the road, preferably behind a guardrail or up an embankment, and wait there. Never stand directly in front of or behind your vehicle.
Make a Note of Your Location
Before you call for help, you need to know where you are. Look for mile markers, exit numbers, or major cross-streets. GPS apps on your smartphone, like Google Maps or Waze, can give you a precise location. Having this information ready will help the roadside assistance or towing services find you much faster. The more accurate you can be, the quicker a tow truck can be dispatched to your exact spot.
Step 3: Call for Professional Roadside Assistance
Once you are in a safe position and know your location, it’s time to call for help. Having a reliable contact for towing services saved in your phone can save you valuable time and stress.
Who to Call for Help
Your first call should be to a professional towing company. A service like CW Automotive & Towing provides 24/7 emergency assistance and has the expertise to handle highway breakdowns safely. If you are in an unsafe location or feel you are in immediate danger, you can also call 911. The dispatcher can send law enforcement to secure the scene while you wait for a tow truck.
Provide Clear and Accurate Information
When you speak with the dispatcher for the towing services, be prepared to provide essential details. This information helps them send the right type of truck and technician for your situation. Be ready to share:
- Your Exact Location: Use the mile markers or GPS coordinates you noted.
- Your Vehicle Information: Provide the make, model, and color of your car.
- The Nature of the Problem: Explain what happened. Did the engine overheat? Do you have a flat tire? Did it just stop running?
- Your Contact Information: Give your name and a reliable phone number.
- The Condition of the Vehicle: Mention if the car is in a particularly dangerous spot or if it can be steered.
This level of detail ensures the process is efficient. The dispatcher can provide you with an estimated time of arrival (ETA), so you know how long you should expect to wait.
Step 4: Prepare for the Tow Truck’s Arrival
While you wait for roadside assistance, there are a few things you can do to prepare your vehicle and ensure a smooth process once help arrives. Your safety remains the top priority during this time.
Gather Your Personal Belongings
If your car needs to be towed to a repair shop, you may want to take essential personal items with you. This could include your wallet, phone, charger, medication, or any important documents from the glove box. It’s easier to gather these items while you wait rather than rushing when the tow truck is hooking up your vehicle.
Do Not Attempt Repairs Yourself
It can be tempting to try to fix the problem yourself, but a highway shoulder is not a safe place for repairs. The risk from passing traffic is too high. Unless the fix is something incredibly simple and safe, like tightening a loose gas cap, it is best to leave the work to professionals. Stay put and wait for the trained technician to arrive with the proper tools and safety equipment.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Your phone is your lifeline. Conserve its battery as much as possible while you wait. Avoid using it for non-essential activities. If you have a portable charger, now is a good time to use it. You will need your phone to communicate with the towing company and potentially arrange for a ride from the repair shop later.
Waiting for help can be the most stressful part of a car breakdown on the highway. By following these steps—prioritizing safety, assessing your situation, calling for professional help, and preparing for its arrival—you can manage the event with confidence. A reliable towing service is your most important partner in this situation, equipped to handle the logistics and get you and your vehicle to safety.
