Nothing is more stressful than having a car breakdown in the middle of the night. It’s dark, scary, and dangerous if you’re alone and there’s no immediate help available. A roadside emergency is more likely to happen when there’s reduced visibility. When you find yourself in this stressful car breakdown at night, follow these safety tips and rules to keep yourself and other passengers safe while waiting for a towing service company.
Pull Over Immediately
If you can safely move your car, get off the roadway as soon as possible. This way, you will be out of danger’s way and prevent further damage. Once you’re in a safe spot or on the side of the road, engage the emergency brake and turn the steering wheel away from the traffic. Being too close to other passing cars will only put your vehicle in a dangerous position especially during the nighttime.
Turn on Hazard Lights and Headlamps
Roads and highways can be really dark at night. Stay visible by turning on your headlamps and hazard lights to notify other drivers that there is a problem with your car. Emergency lights and hazard warning flashers are visual reminders that your vehicle is a temporary obstruction.
First, try your best to park your car safely at the farthermost section of the road, then turn on the hazard lights button. If your lights don’t work, you can pop your hood to show that you are encountering a mechanical issue.
Use Flares and Reflectors
Making your car visible is the key to staying safe during a nighttime breakdown. Don’t forget to use reflective triangles or road flares in front of and behind your vehicle to alert passersby of a breakdown or crash ahead. Any type of reflective gear warns people that your vehicle is being pulled off of the road.
Know Your Exact Location
Since nighttime visibility is low, you might not notice a lot of landmarks nearby. Use any GPS navigation apps or map technology to locate where you are. Before calling a towing company, you need to know at least the approximate location, road name, or street number where you are standing. If you feel particularly unsafe while waiting for the tow truck to arrive, let someone know where you are by calling a friend or family member.
Do Not Leave Your Car and Attempt to Walk Along The Road
Whether your engine is overheating or the tire is completely deflated, always stay inside your car. No matter what the situation is, never leave your car to ask for help. Staying inside is much safer than standing alone along the road.
When you decide to wait outside your vehicle, be sure to exit from the passenger’s side and not directly onto the roadway. Getting out of the driver’s side is extremely dangerous because you may be hit by a motorist who doesn’t notice you.
Keep Essential Items In Your Vehicle’s Emergency Kit
You’ll never know when you need an emergency kit while on the road. It is good to store emergency supplies in your trunk to help get you out of all sorts of jams. Fill the kit with essential items, such as the following:
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
- Phone Charger and Power Bank
- Flashlight
- Signal Flares and Reflectors
- Booster and Jumper Cables
- Spare Tires
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Non-Perishable Food and Water
- Tool Kit
Be Aware
During car breakdowns, you may start to panic and become distracted. Keep in mind that safety should be your foremost priority. Be aware, check your surroundings, and ask if everyone is safe. Pay attention to your environment and the condition of your car. If you encounter this situation, pick up your phone and call a 24/7 towing service for immediate assistance.
Contact a Professional Towing Service Provider
We all know that breakdowns and car accidents don’t just happen during regular business hours. Don’t worry if you’re having a nighttime car breakdown because many towing companies offer 24-hour services. If you’re in a bad spot, don’t hesitate to call a licensed towing company to do minor repairs and take your vehicle to your preferred location. They may also deliver gas or change a tire for you so that you can get you back on the road.
Companies like Allentown Towing Co provide emergency towing services to get you out of trouble. We are just a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to contact us for all your towing or roadside assistance needs. We are ready to serve you whenever and however you need.