How to Stay Safe During a Roadside Emergency

When driving down the highway, you’ve likely seen the occasional car stranded on the side of the road. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much of it and keep driving. However, you’re never more than one auto malfunction away from being a stranded motorist yourself. For safety’s sake, it’s important to prepare […]

When driving down the highway, you’ve likely seen the occasional car stranded on the side of the road. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much of it and keep driving. However, you’re never more than one auto malfunction away from being a stranded motorist yourself. For safety’s sake, it’s important to prepare yourself for the possibility of a roadside emergency.

Pack a Roadside Emergency Kit

Consider keeping a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. Your kit should have a first-aid kit, a hazard triangle, jumper cables, and a flashlight. It’s also a good idea to have a bunch of basic tools, including a set of wrenches, a pair of pliers, a tire gauge, and a jack and lug wrench. Since you may have to spend a cold night in your car, you should consider packing gloves, a stocking cap, and an emergency blanket.

Make Your Vehicle Visible

Once you detect that your vehicle is slowing down or otherwise malfunctioning, gently steer it off the right side of the road. Next, you must find some means of making your vehicle more visible to other drivers. If you have a hazard triangle, warning light, or flare, place it a few dozen feet behind your vehicle. If you don’t have any of these items, your vehicle’s hazard lights will suffice.

Remain in Your Vehicle

Unless you’re fairly confident in your ability to address your vehicle’s malfunction, you should call roadside assistance and wait in your car with the door locked. This is the best way to ensure your safety. You should be cautious of anyone who approaches your vehicle—even if he or she is just trying to help. Only accept help from others if you cannot call for professional help.

After your roadside ordeal, consider bringing your vehicle to Automotive Recalibration Center of Tucson. Our automotive repair experts can address your vehicle’s malfunction and help prevent it from happening again. No problem is too big or too small for our technicians.