When your vehicle breaks down or you’re involved in a minor accident, it’s easy to feel stressed, vulnerable, and uncertain about what to do next. While calling a tow truck is the first smart step, the moments before help arrives are just as important—especially for your personal safety.
Here are essential safety tips to follow while waiting for a tow truck, whether you’re on the highway, a back road, or in a parking lot flatbed towing services.
1. Pull Over to a Safe Location (If Possible)
If your vehicle is still drivable, slowly steer it to the shoulder of the road, a nearby parking lot, or any safe area away from traffic. Avoid stopping in curves or on narrow shoulders where visibility is low.
Tip: Turn on your hazard lights immediately as you slow down.
2. Turn On Your Hazard Lights
Your hazard lights are your first line of defense—they signal to other drivers that you’re experiencing a problem. Leave them on until the tow truck arrives.
3. Stay Inside the Vehicle (If Safe)
Unless you’re in immediate danger (e.g., your car is smoking or you’re at risk of a collision), it’s safest to stay inside your locked vehicle with your seatbelt on. This provides protection from passing vehicles and weather.
4. Use Roadside Emergency Equipment
If you have warning triangles, cones, or flares, place them at a safe distance behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. The more visible you are, the better.
At night or in poor visibility, use a flashlight or phone light to signal help—never stand in traffic.
5. Call for Help and Share Accurate Details
When calling for a tow truck, be specific about your location, vehicle type, and issue. If using an app or roadside assistance service, enable GPS if prompted to help responders find you faster.
Example: “I’m on I-95 Southbound, near Exit 42. My car stalled and I’m on the right shoulder.”
6. Avoid Accepting Help from Strangers
While many people mean well, it’s safest to decline help from strangers. Politely let them know that a professional tow truck is already on the way. Keep your windows up and doors locked.
7. Gather Important Items (But Stay Calm)
While waiting, you can collect your ID, registration, insurance, and roadside documents so you’re ready when help arrives. Avoid panic and use this time to stay alert, hydrate, and remain calm.
Bonus Tips:
- If it’s dark, turn on your interior lights so you’re more visible to rescuers.
- Don’t leave children or pets unattended if you exit the vehicle.
- If the car is smoking or on fire, get out immediately and move at least 100 feet away.
Final Thoughts
A vehicle breakdown or minor accident is never ideal, but knowing what to do in those crucial moments can keep you safe, calm, and in control. Always prepare in advance—keep a roadside emergency kit, have your insurance info handy, and save a trusted towing number in your phone.
When the tow truck arrives, follow the driver’s instructions, provide the necessary documents, and let the professionals take it from there.
Safety first, always. The road to recovery starts with calm, informed action.
Let me know if you’d like this adapted for a flyer, email newsletter, or blog post!