You are driving on a highway, and suddenly your car stops responding, or you hear a loud noise from under the hood. In such a situation, every driver feels a mix of shock and worry. Highways are busy, and standing still in the middle of fast traffic is risky. What matters most is how you respond in the first few minutes. The right steps can prevent accidents, protect your passengers, and give you peace of mind until professional tow truck company arrive. In this blog, you will learn the key actions to take when your car breaks down on the highway and how to handle the situation safely.
<h2 style=”font-size:22px”>Steps To Follow If Your Car Breaks down On the Highway:</h2>
Step 1: Stay Calm and Signal Immediately
The very first thing you should do when your car breaks down is control your reaction. Fear or panic can make you forget the basics. Instead, focus on staying calm so you can think clearly. Switch on your hazard lights right away to warn drivers around you. Hazards tell others that your vehicle is not moving normally and give them enough time to slow down or change lanes. If the weather is foggy, rainy, or dark, keep your headlights on for added visibility. This small action reduces accident risks and buys you time to move safely.
Step 2: Move the Car to a Safe Location
Never stop in the middle of traffic unless the car is completely immobile. If you can still steer, guide the car slowly toward the shoulder or a designated emergency lane. Park as far away from moving traffic as possible and apply the parking brake. Angle your front wheels away from the road to prevent the vehicle from rolling back into traffic if struck. A safe location also makes it easier for a tow truck company to reach your vehicle without causing obstruction.
Step 3: Make Your Car Visible to Other Drivers
Your car must remain noticeable until help arrives. Use reflective warning triangles or cones from your emergency kit. Place them at intervals, like one near your car, another behind, and the third one you can place ahead on the road. This spacing ensures oncoming drivers spot your vehicle from a safe distance. At night, keeping the interior dome light on provides extra visibility. These small actions greatly reduce the chance of another car colliding with yours.
Step 4: Protect Yourself Before Inspecting the Vehicle
Many drivers step out immediately to check the car, but standing on the side of a busy highway is dangerous. If you still need to come out, do so from the passenger side. Stand behind a barrier or guardrail whenever possible. In several cases, the safest choice is to remain inside the car with your seatbelt fastened until professional towing services arrive. Your safety should always come before attempts to fix the vehicle on the spot.
Step 5: Call a Reliable Tow Truck Company
Once you are secure, call a trusted tow truck company. Do not attempt to repair your car on the highway, even if you are familiar with the issue. Trained tow operators have the proper tools to handle your car safely. They can tow it to a nearby garage, your home, or any repair center you prefer. Many towing service providers also offer on-site solutions, such as jump-starts, flat tire changes, or fuel delivery. Calling early ensures faster help and prevents you from being stranded for long.
Step 6: Share Your Exact Location Clearly
A common reason for delays is when drivers cannot accurately explain their location. Use your phone’s GPS or share your live location directly with the tow truck operator. This eliminates confusion and speeds up response time. If your battery is low, sending one text message with your coordinates is better than making repeated calls. Clear communication helps the towing team reach you quickly and safely.
Step 7: Stay Safe While Waiting
Waiting for help can feel long, especially on highways. Keep your doors locked, stay inside if you feel unsafe, and stay alert to your surroundings. Do not accept rides or help from strangers unless you are certain they are the highway patrol or the tow truck company you contacted. If someone approaches, lower your window only slightly to speak to them. Trust professional towing services because they are trained, insured, and responsible for your safety.
Final Thoughts!
Every driver wants to complete their trip without a hitch, but a roadside emergency can strike at any time. Therefore, we should always be prepared for that possibility as it makes the situation less stressful. Keep an emergency kit in your car, keep the contact number of a reliable tow truck company, and make sure to keep your phone charged during your trip. Small habits like these help you prepare to handle unexpected situations with confidence.