How to Stay Safe When Your Car Breaks Down
Getting stranded when your car unexpectedly breaks down can be both scary and dangerous. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and get back on the road safely.
Assess the Situation
Start by pulling over if possible and turning on your flashers. If at night, turn on interior lights too. Consider hazards like traffic, visibility, weather conditions, and isolation. Stay inside locked doors if unsafe outside. Try restarting the engine after a minute in case it was a minor stall. If it is still dead, the people at Clore Automotive recommend checking device connections to verify if just a battery booster jump starter is needed. Knowing details helps you determine if and when exiting is advisable while awaiting help.
Call for Assistance
Emergency situations may require calling 911 first if severely unsafe, but otherwise, your priority should be a tow truck or roadside assistance service contracted by your auto insurance or manufacturer. Provide exact details and your precise stranded location and ask for expected arrival times and relay back to passengers. Calling family or friends is also wise so that people know your status while waiting.
Use Hazard Lights and Cones
Make your vehicle visible. Turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior dome lights alert passing cars and responders that someone is stopped there needing help. Carry and set out reflective safety cones or triangles behind your car to give added distinction. If parked awkwardly, get out and reposition once before getting back inside. Headlights aimed correctly also help but avoid using them if the battery is dying as power should go to charging devices instead.
Wait in a Secure Location
Stay inside locked doors in your stranded car for maximum safety if possible. Do not leave until help arrives, or the area is safe, visible, and emergency vehicles are approaching. Have passengers wait inside too rather than standing along highways. If conditions are extremely hazardous, such as life-threatening temperatures, toxic smoke, or you are still unsafe after exiting, consider ways to shelter and signal rescuers. For example, tying a bright cloth to an antenna is a call for assistance. Use best judgment based on the specifics of your breakdown event. Never wander off or separate if waiting for help to come.
Use Precautions When Exiting
When exiting your car is absolutely necessary before help arrives, take precautions. Put on reflective gear and bring flashlights, phones, water, and first aid kits. Lock all doors and set your parking brake to secure the stationary car while gone. Scope surroundings and plan your path to the nearest safe haven like a lit business, emergency call box, or back inside another vehicle. Avoid walking alone or down dark, hidden areas. Carry protection like pepper spray and an emergency whistle or personal alarm to call for help if threatened. Apply these precautions if you stand outside your broken-down vehicle waiting for assistance to maximize safety.
Conclusion
Breaking down with your car can quickly become a dangerous crisis but staying with the vehicle, making appropriate calls, waiting for professional help when possible, and using precautions when exiting or standing outside maximizes your safety. Avoid hazards by knowing how to cautiously assess situations if stranded at night or in severe weather with a dead car battery or engine problems. Carry protection, make your vehicle visible, and have contingency contact plans to minimize risk. Use good judgment when exiting only if absolutely necessary. Staying secure with your car lowers chances of assault, injuries, or further incidents when help cannot immediately arrive. Planning ahead and safely handling the situation means you can stay in control and avoid panic.