Breakdowns on the Freeway: A Guide to This Scary Situation
Admin • April 30, 2019
Driving on the freeway can be a harrowing experience at the best of times, and it is especially challenging for many people to handle during a vehicle breakdown. Drivers in this situation must take several steps to protect themselves and their vehicle. Just as importantly, they need to contact a professional towing specialist to avoid severe financial loss or even legal ramifications.
Breakdowns on the Freeway Are Dangerous
When a car breaks down on the freeway, the affected driver is in grave danger. For example, people may drive past them at 80-100 miles per hour or faster, which puts them in obvious risk. Even worse, it's often difficult for roadside assistance to reach people on the freeway, as many highways are located in barren places that are far from any town or any type of professional help.
Therefore, drivers who break down on the freeway must take several steps to be safe while they wait for police or tow truck drivers to help them out. These simple steps do require a little preparation, such as purchasing an emergency kit. These kits include flares and other items that make a vehicle more visible after it breaks down on the side of the road.
Safety Steps Minimize the Danger
After a car breaks down, individuals need to park it off of the road as much as possible to keep themselves and other drivers safe. Then, drivers need to either turn on their car's emergency lights or - if no battery power is available - add small flashers or flares outside of the vehicle to make sure people see the car. These steps are particularly necessary if a breakdown occurs at night.
Individuals in this situation should also avoid trying to do repairs on their vehicle. While some people may be able to change a flat tire quickly, others may struggle to perform these necessary repairs. Instead of taking this unnecessary risk, individuals with a broken down car should immediately call a tow truck driver and stay with the vehicle until the truck arrives.
Car Abandonment Is Not Wise
Sitting in a car on the side of a freeway after a breakdown is likely not a good idea. However, standing on the side of the road or walking away to get help is not a wise decision, either. The dangers associated with the freeway only worsen while walking and can include getting hit by a car or even something thrown from a car's tire.
Even worse, people who abandon their car may find that rescue officials may find it abandoned and call tow trucks to move it away. This situation can be a disaster financially, as individuals may find that police officials slap them with fines for vehicle abandonment. And, in this situation, the tow truck driver may also ask for extra fees that the driver wouldn't have experienced if they just called a tow driver right away.
Immediate Towing Help Is Key
The moment a car breaks down on the freeway, owners should call a professional tow truck driver. These experts will come to the site of the breakdown and safely pick up the vehicle to remove it from a dangerous situation.
These tow truck drivers can also talk to police or other authority figures and help these individuals understand the emergency situation. In this way, the driver of the broken down car can relax and avoid having to think too heavily during what can be a very exasperating scenario.
Don't Neglect Professional Help
If you ever find yourself stranded on the freeway without anybody to help you out, please don't hesitate to contact us at AA Wrecker Service
right away to get help. Our professional towers fully understand how to get your vehicle out of danger and can take you to a repair specialist to manage your car's problems.
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