Your Safety is the Priority
Your engine dies. Your transmission fails. Your tire blows out. Suddenly, you're coasting to a stop on a busy highway with traffic whizzing past at 70 miles per hour. Your heart is pounding. What do you do? In my 10 years of towing, I've responded to hundreds of highway breakdowns, and I can tell you that the first few minutes after a breakdown are critical for your safety. The right actions can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation.
Step 1: Get to Safety Immediately
The moment you realize your vehicle is failing, start moving toward the shoulder. If you have power steering and brakes, use them to guide the vehicle to the right shoulder, away from traffic. If you've lost power (engine dead), use the momentum to coast as far right as possible. Turn on your hazard lights immediately—this alerts other drivers that you're in trouble.
Once you're on the shoulder, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked. It's safer to wait inside your car than to stand on the highway. The exception is if your vehicle is smoking or on fire—in that case, exit immediately and move far away from the vehicle and traffic.
Step 2: Turn on Hazard Lights and Set Up Warning Triangles
Your hazard lights are your first line of defense against being hit by another vehicle. Turn them on immediately. If you have reflective warning triangles or flares, place them about 100 feet behind your vehicle to warn approaching drivers. This gives them time to slow down and change lanes. Never stand in the roadway to place warning devices—stay off the pavement entirely.
Step 3: Call for Help
Call 911 if you feel unsafe or if your vehicle is blocking traffic or creating a hazard. Tell them your location (mile marker, exit number, or nearby landmarks), the direction you're traveling, and what kind of vehicle you're in. If your vehicle is safely on the shoulder and not creating a hazard, you can call a towing service directly. Have the non-emergency number for a local towing company saved in your phone before you need it.
Step 4: Stay Calm and Wait for Help
Once you've called for help, stay in your vehicle with doors locked and windows up unless you see a uniformed police officer or tow truck driver. Don't accept help from strangers, no matter how friendly they seem. If someone approaches your window, crack it slightly and ask if they've called for help on your behalf. If they haven't, politely decline and tell them help is already on the way.
Step 5: Communicate with the Tow Operator
When the tow truck arrives, the driver will assess your vehicle and explain what needs to happen. Be honest about what happened—was it a mechanical failure, a blowout, an accident? This information helps the driver safely tow your vehicle. Ask where they're taking your car and get contact information. If you need a ride, ask if they can take you to a safe location like a nearby gas station or repair shop.
Prevention: Maintenance and Preparedness
Most highway breakdowns are preventable through regular maintenance. Have your vehicle inspected before long trips. Check tire condition and pressure. Verify that your brakes, cooling system, and battery are in good working order. Keep your gas tank at least half full on highway drives. And always have a charged cell phone, an emergency kit, and the contact information for a reliable towing service.