Fall Travel Tips: Roadside Safety in Case of Breakdown

What should you do in case of a vehicular breakdown on your cross country fall road trip? All breakdowns are not equal – there’s not one size fits all procedure, However, there are some safety measures that apply just about to any occasion, so find out what you should do in case you have a breakdown.

Turn Your Hazard Lights On

Visibility is key, so make sure those hazard lights work and turn them on at the first sign of trouble. The flashing lights let people know to slow down and pay attention, and you can often signal with your arm out the window to indicate a need to cross lanes and get off the road if people are going slow enough.

Pull Over as Far as Possible

Pull onto the shoulder if at all possible to prevent your car from becoming a road hazard to other drivers. Get as far off the road as you can. For some reason, especially at night and in bad weather, a pulled over vehicle acts like a magnet if a driver is impaired or tired, and more accidents happen involving pulled over vehicles than you would think.

Make Yourself Even More Visible

Lift the hood, tie a white rag or cloth to an antenna, and place road hazard triangles to the traffic side of your vehicle if possible. This lets people know to be wary and makes you more easily seen by assistance or police.

Decide Whether or Not to Stay in the Car

If you feel there is a chance your car will be hit be oncoming traffic, get out and move to a safe place. If you are in a rural area or well off to the side, staying in your car may be the best bet. Keep your seat belt buckled if there is lots of traffic around you just in case the car is impacted. Don’t stand behind or next to the vehicle.

Change Tires Carefully

If you just have a flat, know how to change a tire, and have all the appropriate tools as well as a spare on a rim. You may decide to change the tire yourself. Make sure you are as far off the side as possible, and have a spotter watching traffic if you have someone else with you.

Don’t Flag Down Strangers

The National Safety Council recommends to not try to flag down other vehicles or solicit the help of passing motorists. Call for help using your 2BenefitU Roadside Assistance Benefit and wait patiently for help to arrive. You will soon be back on the road, or safely towed.