A vehicle breakdown can happen almost anywhere. You may experience a dead battery, flat tire, mechanical problem, empty fuel tank, or another issue while driving.
The first priority during a roadside emergency should be your safety. Trying to repair a vehicle in an unsafe location can expose you to passing traffic and other hazards.
NHTSA recommends carrying a roadside emergency kit and planning ahead for possible vehicle problems. Suggested items include a phone and charger, flashlight, first-aid kit, jumper cables, water, and other emergency supplies.
1. Stay Calm
When your vehicle stops working, it is easy to panic.
Take a moment to understand what is happening. If possible, keep control of the vehicle and look for a safe place to stop.
Avoid making sudden movements that could place you or other drivers at risk.
2. Move to a Safe Location
If the vehicle can still move safely, try to get it away from active traffic.
A safer location could be:
- A parking area
- A wide shoulder
- A nearby safe roadside location
- A designated stopping area
Do not continue driving if doing so could make the vehicle or mechanical problem worse.
If the vehicle cannot move, turn on the hazard warning lights when appropriate.
3. Make Your Vehicle Visible
Other drivers need to know that your vehicle is stopped.
Use your hazard lights when appropriate and make the vehicle as visible as possible.
NHTSA notes that all 50 states have Move Over laws for emergency vehicles with flashing lights, while some states also extend these protections to disabled vehicles and other vehicles displaying warning lights. Drivers should move over when safe or slow down when changing lanes is not possible.
4. Stay Away From Traffic
One of the biggest risks during a roadside breakdown is passing traffic.
If you are in an unsafe location, avoid standing close to moving vehicles.
Do not stand behind or in front of your vehicle simply to inspect it if traffic is passing nearby.
Your safety is more important than trying to make a quick repair.
5. Call for Roadside Assistance
If you cannot safely solve the problem yourself, contact a professional.
Depending on the situation, roadside assistance may help with problems such as:
- Dead batteries
- Flat tires
- Lockouts
- Fuel problems
- Vehicle breakdowns
- Towing needs
Roadside assistance services commonly include towing, battery help, flat-tire assistance, lockout assistance, and emergency fuel service.
If your vehicle cannot be safely repaired where it stopped, you may need emergency towing service.
6. Tell the Towing Company Where You Are
When calling for help, give as much useful information as possible.
Tell the operator:
- Your exact location
- The road you are on
- Your direction of travel
- A nearby exit or landmark
- Your vehicle make and model
- The problem with the vehicle
- Whether the vehicle can move
- Whether anyone is injured
This information can help the towing company understand the situation before arriving.
7. Do Not Attempt Unsafe Repairs
Some roadside problems are simple, but not every repair should be attempted on the shoulder.
For example, you may not have the right tools or enough space to safely work on the vehicle.
If the problem involves an electrical system, fuel leak, serious mechanical damage, or accident damage, professional assistance may be safer.
If you have a flat tire but cannot safely change it, flat tire roadside assistance may be a better choice than working beside traffic.
8. Be Careful With a Dead Battery
A dead battery is a common roadside problem.
Signs can include:
- Slow engine cranking
- Clicking when trying to start
- Dim headlights
- Electrical problems
- Repeated need for jump-starts
However, these symptoms can sometimes be related to the alternator or another electrical problem rather than the battery alone. AAA recommends having the charging system checked when battery problems keep returning.
If you are unsure how to safely jump-start the vehicle, consider professional jump start service instead.
9. Carry a Roadside Emergency Kit
Keeping basic emergency supplies in your vehicle can be helpful.
A useful kit may include:
- Phone charger
- Flashlight
- First-aid supplies
- Water
- Jumper cables
- Tire pressure gauge
- Basic tools
- Work gloves
- Emergency blanket
NHTSA recommends preparing an emergency roadside kit before traveling.
10. Be Extra Careful at Night
A breakdown at night can be more difficult because visibility is lower.
Keep your vehicle visible and avoid walking near traffic.
Use a flashlight if needed, but do not place yourself in an unsafe position simply to make the vehicle easier to see.
If you are uncomfortable or the location is dangerous, tell the roadside assistance provider about the conditions when requesting help.
What If Your Vehicle Cannot Be Repaired?
Sometimes the safest solution is to tow the vehicle.
A tow may be needed when:
- The engine will not start
- The vehicle has major mechanical damage
- The vehicle has accident damage
- A tire problem cannot be fixed safely
- The vehicle has steering or braking problems
- The vehicle cannot be moved safely
You can contact emergency towing in Austin TX if your vehicle needs to be transported to a repair shop or another safe location.
Final Thoughts
A roadside emergency can be stressful, but taking simple safety steps can reduce unnecessary risk.
Move away from traffic when possible, make your vehicle visible, avoid unsafe repairs, and call professional help when needed.
Keeping a basic emergency kit in your vehicle and knowing who to contact before a breakdown happens can also save time during a stressful situation.