Whether you’ve had a minor accident, or your car has just broken down due to a flat tire, chances are that you are going to be waiting for a tow truck to arrive. While you’re waiting, you’ll be on the side of the road, which can be dangerous. As you wait for help to arrive, do these six things to not only ensure your safety while you wait for the tow truck, but to prepare yourself to go once it arrives.
1. Move Your Vehicle to the Side of the Road
If you can, one of the first things you should do is pull your vehicle off to the side of the road. By doing so, you help keep you and your vehicle safe from oncoming traffic, and you avoid disrupting the normal flow of vehicles. When you pull your vehicle over, do your best to park in a flat spot and apply your emergency brakes as a precaution. Moving your vehicle can also help once the tow truck arrives. It will make it easier for the tow truck driver to position the truck and tow your vehicle away.
2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights
Turning on your hazard lights should also be one of the first things you do along with moving to the side of the road. Hazards help to indicate to others on the road that your vehicle is disabled and cannot move. They also make your car stand out better, especially at night when it may be harder to see you and your vehicle. If you use your hazards, you can reduce the chance of any accidents occurring.
3. Don’t Leave Your Vehicle
No matter the situation, it’s always a better idea to stay with your vehicle until the tow truck or authorities arrive. You’re safer staying inside your car while you wait, but if you are on a less busy road, you can also leave your car and wait outside near your vehicle until the tow truck or authorities arrive. It’s also best not to leave the scene of an accident until you have exchanged all important insurance and contact information with the other drivers that were involved in the accident.
4. Don’t Take Rides from Strangers
If you’re waiting outside of your vehicle for a tow truck to arrive, someone might offer you a ride to wherever you need to go. However, you should be very cautious if someone offers to give you a ride. Think about your safety. Just because someone is kindly offering you a ride doesn’t necessarily mean they have good intentions. Since you have a tow truck coming to your aid, you won’t need others’ help. It’s best to politely decline rides or assistance offered and explain you already have a tow truck on the way. This prioritizes your safety while you are waiting.
5. Gather Your Important Belongings
If you’re waiting for a tow truck, now is a good time to gather together any items and belongings you will need to take with you. You likely have items in your car that you don’t want sitting in it while your vehicle is being repaired. Gather these items, anything you need, and your phone, wallet, and keys. Have them ready to go with you for when the tow truck arrives, so that you can be on your way as quickly as possible.
6. Be on Guard and Stay Where You are Safe
As you’re waiting, be sure to stay aware of your situation and surroundings. It’s safest to wait in your vehicle, but if you have to leave your vehicle, be on guard of your surroundings, especially if you have broken down on a busy road. Stay where you are safe, not where you could potentially get hit by oncoming traffic. If you do choose to wait outside of your car, always stay on the side of your car that is furthest away from oncoming traffic.
You can stay safe and prepared in other ways as you wait for a tow truck as well. Once you call for a tow truck, you can ask the company for the driver’s name. This way you can verify the identity when the tow truck arrives. This helps ensure the safety of both you and the driver. You can also conserve your phone’s battery. While some towing companies promise fast response times, you never know when you will be waiting a while for the tow truck. But the most important thing you do is ensure your safety while you’re waiting.
For dependable, quick tow truck services and other roadside assistance, contact SG3 Towing.
