Having your car break down under any circumstances is never a pleasant experience. If you are traveling at night time, especially alone, the last thing you want to deal with is your car breaking down.
You can ask a bystander for assistance or walk to the nearest auto-repair shop yourself on a busy highway or inside the city’s limits. But an unlit country road on an Alberta highway can be your worst nightmare as there are long stretches of road with no houses or people to ask for help.
The dangers of being stuck in the middle of nowhere add stress to the situation – so to ensure the safety of your vehicle and yourself, contact the nearest roadside assistance service for help. Having your car breaking down on a deserted road can be scary for anyone, especially for new drivers – and being alone can make it seem even more stressful.
In case you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, we’ve provided some handy tips for you to follow and ensure your safety.
Try To Remain Calm
Although it might seem difficult, the most important thing to do when your car stops in the middle of a road is to stay calm. While it’s natural to be worried, getting into a panic in such a situation will only affect your judgment and cause you to make poor decisions.
The sooner you start thinking about what to do next, the sooner you will be able to get back on the road. Take a minute to calm your breathing and clear your mind. When you feel less anxious, get off the road and park your vehicle on the left side of the road.
Call A 24-Hour Towing Service
After moving your car to a safe position, the first thing you should do is call an emergency towing service. Many towing companies offer 24-hour services because these experts know well enough that wrecks or breakdowns do not occur only during business hours. Call a towing service to have your car towed to a safe location – avoid leaving it on the road, where it can be stolen or damaged.
Depending on what the issue is with your car, you might not need a tow at all. In some cases, towing companies also offer roadside assistance, including refueling, changing a flat tire, jumpstarting your car, etc. This can be a good option if you want to get your car running and back on the road but do not know how to repair it yourself.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
You should turn on your hazard lights when your car is stationary on a highway outside of a well-lit urban area to ensure that you are visible to any oncoming vehicle. Turn on your hazard lights right away once your car is off the road – avoid the risk of getting hit by other motorists.
Some cars have flares in their emergency kit, so you can use them to alert others about your position as well. Read the flares instructions carefully to learn how to light them if you have not used them before. You generally have to remove the cap and strike the end of the flare against it, just like you would light a matchstick. Make sure that you hold it carefully, so the lit end is not pointed at you.
Share Your Location With Someone
You should inform a friend or a family member about your location while waiting for the tow truck to arrive. It would be a good precaution if someone can come and wait with you for the tow truck driver. Once the tow truck driver arrives and tows your car you can go back home with your friend afterward.
If you are a lone female or a vulnerable individual and feel unsafe while you are waiting, don’t hesitate to call the police to let them know where you are and the situation that has occurred. Hence, if something goes wrong, the authorities will know about your approximate location and send a patrol car your way.
Stay Inside Your Car & Keep An Eye Out
Unless you are certain that you can solve the issue and get your car back up and running yourself, such as tightening a loose battery connector, it’s better to stay in your car. You should lock the doors to stay safe and secure while you are waiting for help to arrive.
Whether you’re sitting in your vehicle or changing a tire outside, it is essential to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your surroundings. Keep your phone with you, and immediately call for help if you believe that you are unsafe or maybe in a dangerous situation.
No breakdown is convenient, but specific scenarios are worse than others. You must remain calm, inform the police, and call for emergency assistance services as soon as you have parked your vehicle on the roadside.
About Action Towing
We are a reputable towing and roadside assistance service company in Edmonton, Alberta. Our towing specialists use fully certified equipment and accessories to ensure your safety and peace of mind. Visit our website or contact us for more information about the services we offer.
