If the engine is operable, keep it running so that you dont run the battery down.
\r\n\r\n\r\nMost heavily traveled highways are also heavily patrolled, and a nice highway patrol officer will be along before you know it.\r\n\r\nWhether youve managed to park at the side of the road or youre stuck in a traffic lane, remember these additional safety precautions:\r\nRoll down the window on the drivers side, hang out a white cloth or piece of paper, and roll the window back up to secure it in place. The cloth or paper alerts drivers that your vehicle is in trouble and that they should proceed around you.
\r\nIf you know that youre going to need roadside assistance, use your mobile phone to call your auto club or the highway patrol. Keep them on until help arrives, recommends the National Motorists Association (NMA). In remote areas fewer tow trucks are available, so make sure you have emergency supplies on hand, such as blankets, chemical heat packs, etc. With roadside assistance. CALCASIEU PARISH, LA (KPLC) - It could happen to anyone - getting a flat tire or your car breaking down. If your evidence demonstrates that the equipment violation was corrected within 24 hours of discovery, the ticket may be dismissed. Make sure to drive your disabled vehicle to a safe location away from traffic whenever possible. Keep them in your phone as well as on a paper attached to your insurance and registration info. Whether your rental car breaks down while stopped in a parking lot or while driving down the freeway, you should never react by panicking. Sclar lectures internationally on the ecological impact of vehicles and is active in promoting residential solar energy programs. Parking tickets cannot be obtained while parked. The Mach1 emergency roadside assistance program provides non-emergency roadside assistance. Leave your car safely and stand away from traffic Many providers will offer additional services in the event of a gas emergency, such as fuel delivery. Call us if you need any assistance. AAA roadside technicians can provide fuel, change tires and boost a battery. Some states have special cellphone-only numbers such as *SP (star 77) for State Police or *HP (star 47) for Highway Patrol, to report highway/vehicle related problems. When you need help, you should call for it right away. Place them behind your car one about 10 feet from your vehicle, and another about 200 feet away. Consider our tips for using this technology. If you have no phone, and you can see an emergency call box only a few feet away, use the call box to call for help, get right back in the car, and lock the doors. Here's What You Do If You Break Down on the Highway 6.76.0.1 (rev 20230314.0455), Easily retrieve their info anytime you need it on any of your devices. Always stay calm, and keep a level head. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers as soon as you sense something's wrong. If you know that you're going to need roadside assistance, use your mobile phone to call your auto club or the highway patrol. Once you and your passengers are in a safe location, either off the road or in your car, call 911. When you drive with quality coverage, you drive with peace of mind. Get towing service assistance. Now, you have a moment to collect yourself. Click HERE for a Once you arrive at the destination, youll be responsible for finding your own way home. If a stranger does stop to offer help, ask the person to call for emergency road service. If you do not seek roadside assistance, you will be required to contact someone to tow your vehicle to a nearby mechanic shop. A viewer has AAA coverage that includes a tow for up to 200 miles, but when the tow company would only drive a broke down car for a fraction of that, it . If your car is having mechanical issues, you may want to call a mechanic. He got to us in 15 minutes and had my car open in just another 2 minutes or so. Here's how to stay safe. That IS an emergency. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. In almost any state, you may dial 911 for emergencies, but due to the high volume of calls that 911 operators receive, in some cases it might be better to use the phone numbers listed below, particularly to report highway-safety related "non-emergencies." When you bring your car to a tow truck, the mechanic will inspect it and fix it. Overall, this was a great experience and I would highly recommend! A parking ticket can be issued if you are still in the car. File a claim online, by phone or by contacting your agent. Be sure to have your membership information handy if you have roadside assistance, and be prepared to give the police your location, a description of your car, and your contact information. The person who answers will tell you what to do. If you don't have a cell phone, turn on your hazard lights and wait for a State Police patrol. It not only allows you to locate a nearby repair shop, but it also allows you to file a claim right from your smartphone. What steps can you follow to prevent a bad situation from becoming worse? Get updates from Germania Insurance delivered straight to your inbox. Our pages are filled with helpful tips and information about the topics that most of us face in our everyday lives. Freeway Service Patrol - If you live in California and your car breaks down on the highway during your busy commute, you may be able to receive free aid services from the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP). Be sure to park with your wheels turned to the right so that if your vehicle is struck from behind, your vehicle will not cross the lane into moving traffic. What to do if your car breaks down | RAC Drive by Rachelle | Oct 29, 2022 | Law Enforcement. The Maui County Fire Department said on Twitter the fire was in the Olowalu area and was heading near the highway. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation, member FINRA. First, check to see if you have a membership with a roadside assistance service, such as AAA. Call or use an app to get a tow truck, mechanic or roadside assistance with your insurance company or other provider to help. If you're broken down on a busy highway it's important to try to get your car off the road as soon as possible. Youll need to locate a towing company that services the location youre in. If you have been involved in an accident, the battery in your vehicle may have been damaged. He showed up to tow my vehicle. What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down on a Road Trip - SFGATE If you do, give them a call first. The phone number where you can be reached. If you are experiencing a fuel leak or smell fuel fumes, do not ignite a flare or use anything that produces a spark or flame. If you dont have one in mind, ask the operator if there is a nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. Roadside assistance is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Oklahoma DPS's I had a dead battery and was subsequently locked out of my vehicle because it had been recently vandalized and they were here within 15 minutes of calling. It was a very frustrating experience. When out of harm's way, assess the situation and call for help, such as from Nationwide's Roadside Assistance, which will be there when your car breaks down on the highway, when you have a flat, need a jump or get locked out. If no call box is nearby, youre probably better off just hanging the white cloth or piece of paper out the window and waiting for the highway patrol.
\r\nTo avoid being hit by a passing vehicle, never work on your vehicle from the side thats exposed to traffic. If you can, drive farther off the road to a safe, well-traveled place, and try to reach into the trouble area from the front or the side thats away from traffic.
\r\nIf its daylight, put on your emergency blinkers to alert oncoming traffic to the fact that your vehicle isnt moving. This is not a good idea at night because motorists coming up behind you may think that your vehicle is still rolling along the highway and run right into the rear end of your car.
\r\nIf its nighttime and youre not stuck in traffic, quickly place warning lights or reflective markers about six feet behind the vehicle to alert traffic, and then get back in the car. If you dont have lights or markers, either turn on the interior lights manually or leave the car door thats away from traffic open so that the interior lights stay on.
\r\nIf you get a flat tire, do not attempt to change it unless you can get to the side of the road and the tire is on the side of the vehicle thats safely away from traffic.
\r\nBecause driving on a flat tire for any longer than it takes to park safely can destroy the tire, you need to replace it close to where it went flat. Since surroundings, traffic patterns and vehicle hazards can vary, its important to evaluate your specific situation and react accordingly. How to React if Your Rental Car Breaks Down: 9 Steps - wikiHow Place flares or warning triangles behind your car to direct oncoming traffic away from the vehicle. Get in the habit of conducting periodic safety checks to make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Here are some tips that may help keep you and your passengers safe if your car breaks down or you get a flat tire. The list of incident related failures is long and they can happen at any time. With a little patience and a little help, you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Some drivers, in addition to paying for roadside assistance, may also opt in to roadside assistance plans. 1. Before a road trip, contact AAA to arrange for a free test of your vehicles battery, starting and charging system. National Traffic and Road Closure Information. If you are on an interstate, try to reach an exit. If the engine dies right on the highway and you cant get off the road, dont get out of the car! With a little patience, help will soon be on the way. Sclar lectures internationally on the ecological impact of vehicles and is active in promoting residential solar energy programs. If its nighttime and youre not stuck in traffic, quickly place warning lights or reflective markers about six feet behind the vehicle to alert traffic, and then get back in the car. However, if someone approaches you and offers help, then partially open the window and tell them to call the police. A small activation fee will entitle you to a full year of Endurance Elite Benefits if you sign up for it. Programs Across the United States That Aid Motorists in the Reporting of Impaired Drivers to Law Enforcement, The University of Oklahoma Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, Copies of Reports and Open Records requests, State-by-state Cellphone Highway Emergency Assistance Numbers. Out of Traffic If your vehicle is safely out of traffic, then wait inside the car and lock the doors. Copyright 2022 AAA, All Rights Reserved. As you pull your vehicle off the road, keep the following safety procedures in mind:
\r\n\r\nTry to coast along the shoulder until youre away from any curves in the road behind you. This placement pays off when youre ready to get back onto the road because you can spot oncoming traffic before its on your tail.
\r\nIf the engine dies right on the highway and you cant get off the road, dont get out of the car! Sitting in a dead vehicle with traffic piling up behind you is unnerving, but attempting to cross a high-speed freeway on foot is extremely dangerous.
\r\nIf its after dark, put the interior light on so that youre more visible. Read your owners manual to clearly understand which dash lights or signals indicate your vehicle is not operating properly and what to do in such situations. This video will show you how to handle an unexpected vehicle breakdown. A guide to insurance claims if youve been robbed. However, ourservices in Arizona and New Mexicoexist to help stranded drivers with everything from fuel delivery and battery replacement to flat tires and towing. Regardless of where you are, roadside assistance makes it easier to stay safe. Dead batteries, flat tires, and locked doors are the three most common reasons for requesting roadside assistance. If the breakdown is due to more severe mechanical or electrical problems, the vehicle will need to be towed to a service center. We may collect personal information from you for business, marketing, and commercial purposes. Next, call attention to yourself and your vehicle. About half the states currently have working 511 systems statewide or in some cities/areas. Always try to remain calm. A safety check includes tires, lights, belts, hoses, fluids and windshield wipers. If you notice any problems while driving on the highway, keep an eye out for them and avoid the travel lanes. Push the car. Copyright 2023. Don't get out of your car if you break down on the highway. If no call box is nearby, youre probably better off just hanging the white cloth or piece of paper out the window and waiting for the highway patrol. 1. Definitely recommend this towing service. Fortunately, most problems are preventable. If your car breaks down on the road and no one is hurt, the first person you should call is roadside assistance, your tow truck, or a mechanic for help. Depending on location and traffic, wait times can be long. If you have a brightly colored handkerchief or scarf, tie it to the antenna or door handle, or hold it in place by closing it in a window. Prevention is the key A breakdown can happen for many reasons but according to the AA, the 4 most common causes of vehicle failure on the roads are: Flat (or faulty) battery Car batteries have a finite life span and eventually give up the ghost, often under the least convenient circumstances. Home Office: One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, OH. If possible, we recommend staying in the car with your seatbelt on, windows up, and doors locked for your own safety. If you have difficulty reaching these numbers, you can always dial "0" to request help. Turn your wheels away from the road & put on your parking brak e. This will prevent your vehicle from rolling back into traffic. Then, phone a friend or family member and let them know where you are. Stay in your vehicle. Unless you have a zero-tolerance policy, that is not an option. When out of harms way, assess the situation and call for help, such as from Nationwides Roadside Assistance, which will be there when your car breaks down on the highway, when you have a flat, need a jump or get locked out. In addition to towing and mechanic services, the company works with over 50,000 other businesses and businesses. Click here to visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (NHWA) "511" webpage for a state-by-state map/listing of 511 systems. Privacy Promise/Security | Site Map, Website By Houston Marketing Firm Brand Tackle. Do not attempt to help the service representative unless he or she asks for assistance. National advertising powered by Mediative.com. Your best options if you need your car towed while travelling, Yellow Pages Digital & Media Solutions Limited. Its very dangerous to lower your windows or open your vehicle doors to strangers. Get out briefly to pop the hood. If you have a smartphone, finding a number shouldnt be a problem. What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down - AARP If you can, drive farther off the road to a safe, well-traveled place, and try to reach into the trouble area from the front or the side thats away from traffic. If this isn't possible, pull over onto the hard shoulder and stop your car as far to the left as possible with your wheels also turned to the left. FOX. Call for help. Many Americans who own their own car are auto club members like AAA. Yellow PagesTM, Walking Fingers & DesignTM, YP.caTM, YellowPages.caTM, Canada411TM, are trademarks of Yellow Pages Digital & Media Solutions Limited in Canada. If you're shopping for a used vehicle, read our blog first and learn what to check for, The importance of estate planning for young families, Flash flood warning: Texas flash flood preparedness. Scott was amazing! Taking care of your vehicle in an emergency can help reduce stress. Assisted driving features are on the rise, but these technologies can't drive for you. If you need roadside assistance, the Mach1 app is the most convenient option. You might be on a mountain road with little shoulder space and many blind turns, or on a narrow part of the freeway surrounded by traffic. Raise your hood. Accessibility (area code) + 555-1212 non-local directory assistance, MANY STATES: 511 (for Road/Weather/Traffic Conditions). I just want to also send a shout out to Scott for his assistance. So what should you do if your car breaks down? To avoid being hit by a passing vehicle, never work on your vehicle from the side thats exposed to traffic. Call for help. Check that all of your battery cables are securely fastened. It is a good idea to have a roadside assistance account in case of an emergency. As you pull your vehicle off the road, keep the following safety procedures in mind:
\r\n\r\nTry to coast along the shoulder until youre away from any curves in the road behind you. This placement pays off when youre ready to get back onto the road because you can spot oncoming traffic before its on your tail.
\r\nIf the engine dies right on the highway and you cant get off the road, dont get out of the car! Sitting in a dead vehicle with traffic piling up behind you is unnerving, but attempting to cross a high-speed freeway on foot is extremely dangerous.
\r\nIf its after dark, put the interior light on so that youre more visible. In other instances, technicians can employ basic roadside problem-solving techniques to get the vehicle going without the need for a tow. Should this be your only alternative to get help, ask for identification including name, phone number and address before accepting assistance. If your car is blocking traffic or you are on a dangerous road, call your roadside service and also call 911. Before you get out of the car to investigate the cause of the breakdown, put your hazards on, put the handbrake, and then shut off the engine. If you find yourself in a failing vehicle on the road, remember and follow these four critical steps. Who you need to call when your car breaks down | Smart Tips It's important to be prepared for the unexpected, especially on the road. Very concerned he met all the needs to get me going and gave me sound advice in driving with undersize spare. We use this information for business, marketing and commercial purposes, including but not limited to, providing the products and services you request, processing your claims, protecting against fraud, maintaining security, confirming your identity and offering you other insurance and financial products. If youre driving, you should be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions in the event of an emergency. If you have a white handkerchief or some other bright cloth, display it on the outside of your vehicle, on the side facing traffic, to signal that you are in . If youre not sure what caused your vehicle to break down, you should look at the engine. Tested: 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Pickup Breaks Barriers with the UFC legend breaking down in tears during a video conversation . Hummer EV SUV Is an 830-HP Open-Roof Off-Roader. To contact the FSP unit nearest you, call 1-800-TELLCHP. You should use the numbers, below, only to report vehicle breakdowns/problems, accidents, hazardous material spills, or other highway hazards/problems, as well as impaired or aggressive/reckless drivers and other criminal behavior. So what should you do if your car breaks down on the highway? If the engine is operable, keep it running so that you dont run the battery down. What to do if you break down - 6 steps to get help | The AA 3. If its daylight, put on your emergency blinkers to alert oncoming traffic to the fact that your vehicle isnt moving. Access Your Emergency Kit If your car isn't in danger, then now is the time to access your emergency kit. Turn on your car's interior lights if you don't have markers. In an emergency, you can dial 911 or the local police if you are unsure who to contact. However, once pulled over, you need to make yourself more visible to other drivers and indicate that your car is broken down. Oklahoma Road Condtions Map/Information website. Remember to signal and try to remain on level ground. June 28, 2023 / 8:08 AM / CBS Sacramento. If you require your vehicle towed, you should request an estimate of the repairs before allowing work to be completed. Immediately call a towing service. We focus on safety and maintenance issues with regard to your home, auto, apartment, motorcycle, boat, small business, finances and more. Whether you need assistance in a remote area or simply need to get started, you can rely on AAA 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Mechanical difficulties occur; someone may run out of gas. We value your privacy. Remember, this happens all the time, youre going to be okay. maybe change out a leaky hose or two. 411 local directory assistance If your car breaks down or you have an accident, roadside assistance can help you get back on the road. Once off the road, make your car visible. 2. The cloth or paper alerts drivers that your vehicle is in trouble and that they should proceed around you. Standing on the shoulder of the road it's safer to remain buckled in your car unless there is smoke or flames. If you cant pull over, make sure youre in your car and move as far away from the road as possible. If you have a cell phone, immediately use it to call for help. Turn on your emergency flashers. If a friend or colleague offers to assist you, be cautious about accepting their offer. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. A car insurance policy or manufacturers warranty will cover roadside assistance differently than other types of coverage. When you car breaks down, you want to know who to call for a tow. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()). You cant help yourself unless youre calm and waiting for help. Sclar is also the author of Buying a Car For Dummies. We encourage you to use your own good judgment about what's appropriate for you and your property and always consider safety. According to the California Highway. Really nice guy and got spare on to replace flat in minutes. The roadside assistance plan allows you to receive emergency assistance for minor vehicle problems such as flat tires, dead batteries, fuel delivery, towing, and even winching, depending on the plan. Seek roadside assistance from your insurance company. Its your responsibility to understand what services your emergency road service or insurance policy will cover and to pay for any repairs. If you havent already, you now need to turn on your hazard lights. This is one reason why subscribing to roadside service is a good idea!
\r\nDeanna Sclar is an acclaimed auto repair expert. 6/19/2023 12:30 AM PT. Once you're safely out of the vehicle, prop up your hood to let other drivers know they should proceed with caution. If you can't find a number for a local tow company or roadside assistance, call 911. I locked my keys in the car and called my progressive insurance road side service and was for sure I was going to have to wait hours before getting assistance. Do not brake suddenly. She has appeared on hundreds of radio and TV shows, including NBC's Today show and the NBCNightly News. Take it from one who knows: call the Freeway Service Patrol. A tow truck operator answers all your questions! If you are stranded on the side of the road, you may be wondering if it is okay to call the police for help. Ronda Rousey was brought back to earth for an emotional moment during her time on "Mars" . What To Do If You Break Down On The Highway Because of the influx of vehicles, especially cars, SUVs, and semis, panicking is unavoidable. - Coolant - Fire extinguisher - Flares, signal flag and/or reflective vest - Water, non-perishable snacks and basic first-aid supplies - including a thermal blanket - Sneakers - in case you need to. (It signals to other cars that you're having car trouble.). If you can pull over to the side of the road, exit through the passenger-side door, avoid traffic, and, if possible, stand far away behind the guardrail. Here are some pointers to remember if you have a car that breaks down in the dark. Im so grateful because I had plans with family and I was already running late. Avoid the temptation to slam on the brakes and instead use your momentum to safely edge to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights, don a reflective vest, wave a flashlight and set up reflective triangles or flares. If you've made it to a safe spot on the side of the road and traffic is clear, you should: Pop the hood of your car. All Rights Reserved. Fortunately, most problems are preventable. For the most part, you get to choose the tow destination, however some restrictions apply. Once youve spoken with someone about the situation, you should contact a tow truck. If you are stranded on the side of the road or in the city, call AAA. What do I do if my car breaks down on an NYC highway? : AskNYC - Reddit 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 Defies Classification. If you can pull over to the side of the road, exit through the passenger-side door, away from traffic, then stand far away - behind the guardrail, if possible. Talking on your cellphone while you drive can certainly lead to distraction and accidents but having a cellphone in your car can be very useful in an emergency situation. But even with good maintenance, things happen - especially with todays advanced vehicle technology. Crossing a high-speed highway is more dangerous than sitting in your car. Broken down in the UK? If you've stalled, activate the emergency brake. Most roadside assistance programs will tow your car to a nearby service station or repair shop. Earlier this summer, the car I was driving suddenly stalled in the middle of 580. Your vehicle will not be covered by roadside assistance because it will need major repairs to be repaired. Although the Hummer, at 9640 pounds, is surely the heaviest pickup we've ever tested, it's also . With cars, SUVs and semis zooming by, its easy to panic. Having roadside assistance saves you money on your car repair. This is one reason why subscribing to roadside service is a good idea! Copyright 2023 AAA. Whether youve managed to park at the side of the road or youre stuck in a traffic lane, remember these additional safety precautions: Roll down the window on the drivers side, hang out a white cloth or piece of paper, and roll the window back up to secure it in place. If you're in an emergency situation or are not sure who to contact, call 911 or the local police for help. The answer is yes, you can call the police if your car breaks down. That said, try to assess your unique situation and decide on a course of action. Ronda Rousey Tears Up During Phone Call With Daughter On 'Stars - TMZ *KTA (*482) Kansas Turnpike and for Wichita, KS, Louisiana: 911 or Cellphone-only: *LHP (star 547); When Your Car Breaks Down, Who Do You Call?