While new cars on the road boast of sophisticated technology, car break downs are still common. In one industry survey, the American Automobile Association says
are happening more than ever before. This is because advanced car features need cutting-edge technology to maintain and repair.
A car breakdown is a nerve-wracking experience that can lead to hasty and risky decisions. Your immobile vehicle is a big risk not only to you but to other drives and you need to act fast. Any wrong decisions can compromise your safety and also delay rescue.
If you ever find yourself in a car breakdown, here are some mistakes to avoid.
1. Panicking
A good driver should always have an idea about what to do if their car develops on a high. When you're cruising down the interstate, contemplate what would happen if your car ever develops mechanical issues.
If you have an idea about how to act during car emergencies, you won't panic. This allows you to make better decisions with a cool head. Panicking during a car emergency can cause a chain of poor decisions that worsen the situation.
2. Not Getting Off the Road
The first aim is to guide the car off the highway for your safety and that of other road users. Stopping on a busy highway could cause vehicle smash-ups and you will be the cause. If you realize you have a serious problem with your vehicle, here are some safety tips to consider:
i. Turn on the emergency lights/hazard lights
ii. Slow down and aim for the road's right shoulder
iii. Once the vehicle stops, apply the parking brake
3. Failure to Warn Other Drivers
Whenever you have a car emergency, it's your responsibility to create a safe environment. Making yourself visible is another step to protect other road users especially on very busy highways.
Car emergency kits come with help signs, reflective triangles, and flares for this purpose. Use these tools to make sure the other drivers can see you from as far as possible. In high-speed areas, such signals allow the drivers to move over and avoid crashes.
4. Exiting in Risky Situations
In some cases, it's impossible to get your vehicle completely off the highway. In such a situation, avoid exiting and instead focus on getting help using your phone.
Ensure emergency lights are on to alert other drivers. With the advent of mobile towing services, it's easy to find help and you should do this when sitting in your vehicle. This is safer than trying to exit the vehicle in a risky situation.
5. Walking to Find Help
The first instinct during a car breakdown is to walk off in search of help. However, this is not always a good decision especially if you're in an area you don't know. Walking down the side of a busy road is unsafe and it's also easy to get lost.
Many local emergency services send patrol vehicles along busy roads but they can only help if you're present. Instead of walking off blindly, try contacting an emergency towing service if possible. Officers from the local authorities might also chance upon you when patrolling the road.
If you experience any car problem on a busy highway, don't panic. You need to stay calm and focus on getting the vehicle to safety off the road. Use the reflective triangle to make yourself visible and contact emergency towing services in the area.
If you suffer a car emergency in Northeast Tarrant County, TX,
contact us
at AA Wrecker Service. We're the area's go-to emergency towing service delivering exceptional services for all clients.