How To Handle Roadside Emergencies

Driving makes getting around convenient but it can also lead to roadside emergencies. Here are some ways to reduce your risk when you’re in an emergency situation. 

Be Safe

A flat tire, an overheated vehicle, or a car accident can cause you to move your vehicle off the road and put you in danger. No matter the reason, be cautious and follow these tips to stay safe.

• Act Fast – If your car starts having trouble, begin moving your vehicle away from traffic immediately.
• Find Someplace Safe – A shoulder will work but try to exit freeways, turn off roadways, or pull into a rest stop or parking lot. If possible, find a well-lit area and don’t stop around corners/curves, at the bottom of a hill, or on a narrow road. 
• Warn Others – Turn on your hazard lights, and use safety cones, signs, flares, triangles, etc. to increase your visibility. You can also raise your hood to show others you’re having trouble and keep your lights on if you’re stopped in the dark. 
• Assistance – If you have a cell phone, a signal, and a phone number for roadside assistance call them immediately, they’re typically available 24/7. 
• Getting Out – Look for traffic before you open your door and exit through the passenger side if there’s traffic on the driver side. 
• Traffic – Keep your distance from the flow of traffic. If you’re on the shoulder, don’t stand behind or next to your vehicle, you aren’t protected by the white line painted on the ground. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on and doors locked if you can’t perform your own repairs safely. 
• Be Prepared – Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. See the next section for what to stock your kit with. 
• Stranger Danger – Use caution with people who stop to offer assistance. Lower your window only enough to talk and use good judgment in accepting help. If help is already on the way, thank them and tell them you’re taken care of.

Carry A Kit

A roadside emergency kit can make the difference between getting back on the road and being stranded for hours. Pre-assembled kits are available but making your own tailored to the age and condition of your vehicle, your driving patterns, and the weather is the best way to go. Here are items to consider carrying:

• Spare tire
• Jack
• Jumper cables
• Flags, flares, or triangle reflectors
• Motor oil (1qt. Or more)
• Coolant (1 gallon)
• First-aid kit
• Blanket/space blanket
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Tools (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, pocket knife)
• Tire inflator and sealant
• Tire pressure gauge
• Duct tape
• Heavy-duty rope
• Gloves
• Paper towels
• Spray bottle with washer fluid
• Ice scraper
• Pen and paper
• Food (granola, energy bars, etc.)
• Bottled water

Familiarize yourself with the items and how to use them. Keep your roadside emergency kit items together in your trunk and make sure it’s easily accessible.

Roadside Emergency Assistance

Emergency roadside assistance is a smart investment no matter how old your car is or your history of breakdowns. It provides safety after a breakdown by helping you get back on the road quickly wherever you are. Coverage is usually offered through your auto insurance policy but you may have to add it on so check with your provider. Each insurer’s coverage is different, but most providers will handle these situations:

• Changing a flat tire
• Jump starting a battery
• Towing
• Delivering gas, oil, or a new battery
• Retrieving keys locked inside a car

When you call roadside assistance, the towing company will meet you wherever you are and try to fix your car or tow it to a repair shop. There may be a limit to how far a company will tow your car for free so check with your provider. If your car is totaled in an accident, you can also call roadside assistance to have your car towed either to your home or an auto shop within the mileage limit.

Roadside emergencies are unpredictable but knowing how to be safe, carrying an emergency kit, and having roadside assistance can make them more manageable. If you’re not sure if you’re prepared for roadside emergencies get in touch with us, we’ll be happy to help.