Keeping Yourself Safe While Waiting For A Tow Truck

If you break down while driving on the road, then you will need to think and act quickly to resolve the situation. Towing your vehicle is the best way to make sure your car can be safely moved somewhere else. If you decide to use a tow service, then this means you will likely need to wait for the tow truck to arrive. If you break down at night, then this may be dangerous.  Keep reading to learn about some of things you should do to make sure you are safe.

Turn On Hazards

If your vehicle stops working and you need to sit on the side of the road for a period of time, then you should turn on your hazard lights. This is the best option so your car can easily be seen by other drivers. Most people believe that hazards do not work unless the car is on or the vehicle has gas in the car. This is simply not true. The hazard lights work whether your vehicle is on or not. If you run out of gas, then will still work as well. The only time that hazards do not work is when your battery is dead.

Keep in mind that hazards will run off battery power. They will use minimal energy though. However, you should turn off anything that uses the battery. For example, you should turn off the cabin light and headlights. You also should unplug your phone from its charger as long as it has more than enough power. Tow truck drivers will often need to call your phone, so you will need to keep it on. If your phone is running out of juice, then you should try to retain as much power as possible. Dim the screen, turn off notifications, turn off location services, and disable Bluetooth to keep as much battery power as possible. 

If your car battery does die, then place a blanket, pillow, sweater, or bag in the window that sits closest to the road. Bright fabrics work well to make your car look as visible as possible.

Stay In Your Car

If you need to wait on a tow truck, then you may think it is best to stand next to your car as you wait. After all, your vehicle is large and may be hit by a vehicle as you wait. However, you can also be struck by a car or truck as you wait for the tow. Your vehicle has safety features to keep you safe in case of an accident. While this is true, you should sit in your car with the seatbelt on. You also should sit in the front seat that is farthest away from oncoming traffic. This typically means sitting in the passenger seat instead of the driver seat. 

Make sure that you lock the car doors and roll up the windows as well. If an individual comes to help you, then do not get out of the car. Inform the individual that you are waiting for a tow truck. When the two driver arrives, remain in your vehicle and ask for identification immediately. This will help to ensure that you are receiving help from the person you contacted. It may help to ask for the name of the driver when you make the initial tow arrangements, so you know the identification is valid. For more information, contact companies like Exit 48-24 Hour Repair.

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