How To Stay Safe When Your Car Breaks Down
by Maddi Butler
If you drive a lot, there’s a high chance you will experience a roadside problem at some point. Whether it is a flat tire, breakdown, or accident, other drivers and busy roads can make the situation worse. Pedestrian injuries and deaths are an unfortunately common occurrence in the United States. However, you can learn how to pay attention to roadside safety. This makes the chance of a serious injury in an emergency way less likely.
Here are three ways you can stay safe during a roadside emergency.
Make safety your #1 concern
If your emergency happened on a busy road, do not get out of the vehicle to inspect your car. Instead, pull over to a safe, out of the way spot. This could be a wide shoulder or emergency parking spot on the side of the road. Only then should you get out of the car. If you have been in an accident with another driver signal for them to pull over too.
A flat tire or blowout should be treated the same way. Never get out of your car to repair a tire while it is in the road. Even though your wheel may be damaged as you move it to the roadside, it’s way more important to keep yourself safe.
Call for help
If your car is so badly damaged that you can’t drive it or is broken down and won’t run, stay in your vehicle. Don’t stand outside, where the flow of traffic can create a dangerous situation. Remain in your vehicle, lock your doors, turn on your hazard lights, and use a cell phone to call for help.
Prepare for emergencies
Emergency gear like flags, flares, or reflective triangles are helpful in unexpected situations. These allow you to mark your location during an emergency, even if it occurs during the day. Always remember to turn on your flashers so other drivers are alerted to your presence.
Your emergency kit should include things like:
Jumper cables
Flares, lights, flags, or reflective triangles
Flashlight
First aid kit
Canned Instant tire inflator
Gloves and a warm blanket in case of winter breakdown
Heavy-duty rope
Though no one wants an emergency, these tips can help you navigate one more safely.