How to Stay Safe When Your Car Breaks Down?

by Kevin Smith Author

Most people will experience car trouble at some point in their lives, even if it’s just a flat tire. No matter how well you take care of your car, a breakdown can happen at any time. When it happens on a busy or winding road, it can be dangerous if other drivers don’t see you in time to avoid you. Here are some ways to keep everyone safer while you wait for emergency towing in Oakland.

Pull to the Side

The best way to avoid getting hit by another car while you're waiting is by pulling your car as far off the road as possible--preferably to the right side of the road. Even if you have a flat tire, it’s better to risk damaging the tire than staying in the middle of traffic. If your car won’t run on its own, get out of the car and push only if it’s safe to do so.

Once you’re out of the way, turn your steering wheel away from traffic and engage your parking brake to ensure you don’t roll back into the road.

Stay Visible

Make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers on the road. Try to park your car on a straight stretch of road if you can, so you won’t surprise drivers suddenly coming around a corner. Turn on your hazard lights. Keep emergency flares or reflective hazard triangles in your car at all times and place them approximately 10, 50, and 100 feet behind your vehicle to warn approaching drivers.

Stay in Your Vehicle

It’s not safe to stand outside your vehicle, especially on busy roads. There's a chance you'll get hit by another driver, or even by your own vehicle if someone crashes into it. Once you’ve moved your car out of the way and set up your hazard warnings, get back inside the vehicle. Put your seat belt back on so if you’re struck by another car, you’ll be less likely to get injured.

Call for Help

Once you and your vehicle are safe, call for help. If someone is injured, call for an ambulance. If you’ve crashed or been in an accident with another driver, call the local police as well. Depending on the damage to your vehicle, you may also need to call for emergency towing in Oakland. Have all of these phone numbers pre-programmed into your phone so you can be prepared in case of a breakdown.