Prepare Ahead of Time
The best way to handle a car breakdown on the highway is to prepare for it ahead of time. You should always keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a flashlight, reflective triangle or flares, jumper cables, a blanket, and water. You should also have the phone number for a tow truck company in your phone and make sure you have a spare tire and the tools to change a tire in your car.
Get off the Road
As soon as you realize your car is breaking down, try to safely get off the road as soon as possible. Use your turn signal and pull over as far as you can onto the shoulder or emergency lane. If you cannot get off the road, put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to slow down and be careful around your car.
Call for Assistance
Once you are safely off the road, call for assistance. This could be your roadside assistance service or a tow truck company. Let them know your location, your problem, and any information about your car that may be helpful. If you are not sure where you are, look at any mile markers or highway signs to help you identify your location.
Stay Safe While Waiting
While you are waiting for assistance to arrive, stay safely away from the highway and other drivers. Stay in your car with the doors locked and windows up if you feel safer that way. If you decide to get out of the car, stand behind a barrier like a guardrail or wall so you are not in the way of oncoming traffic. Do not attempt to make repairs to your car unless you are trained to do so and know how to do it safely.
Stay Alert When Help Arrives
When help arrives, make sure you verify that they are a legitimate service provider. They should have identification and a professional-looking truck. If you are still wary of their legitimacy, call the police and have them confirm that the service provider is legitimate. Once your car is being towed, stay alert and aware of your surroundings in case anything goes wrong.
By taking these steps, you can handle a car breakdown on the highway with confidence and safety. Remember to always prepare for emergencies ahead of time, get off the road as soon as possible, call for assistance, stay safe while waiting, and stay alert when help arrives. Delve further into the topic by reading this carefully chosen external resource. local chicago towing!
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