Do you know what to do if you vehicle breaks down? Here are a few tips that will help should you find yourself in an emergency situation:
You are driving down the highway when suddenly you have car trouble. The National Safety Council suggests the following measures when your car breaks down or has a flat tire on the highway.
At the first sign of car trouble, gently and smoothly take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake hard or suddenly. Carefully work your vehicle toward the breakdown lane or the side of the road. If you are on an interstate, try to reach an exit. Signal your intentions to drivers behind you by using your hazard lights. If it is necessary to change lanes, watch your mirrors and the traffic around you closely.
Once off the road, make your car visible. Put reflectorized triangles behind your vehicle to alert other drivers; use your emergency flashers. If it is dark, turn on the interior dome light.
Do not attempt to change a flat tire on a roadway. Only do so if you are in a safe location free of traffic. If that is possible, change the tire as you normally would. Remember, safety must take precedence over your schedule or whatever other concerns you may have.
However, when the car is beyond repair, it is best to get professional help. If you do not have a cell phone, do not try to flag down other vehicles. Raise your hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out a window so police officers or tow truck operators will know help is needed. Don’t stand behind or next to your vehicle. If the car is in the roadway, stay in the vehicle or stand far away from the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.
If your car is safely out of traffic, wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked. Use your cellular phone to call for help. If someone stops and offers to help, open the window slightly and ask them to call the police.
Watch for a uniformed police officer or other emergency personnel. All interstate highways and major roads are patrolled regularly. Also, some highways have special “call-for-help” phones.
It is inadvisable to walk on an interstate, especially during inclement weather. However, if you can reach a source of help on foot, without jeopardizing your physical or personal safety, try the direct approach by walking. Keep as far from traffic as possible and walk on the right side of the roadway. Never attempt to cross a multi-lane, high speed roadway.
-KNOW THE CAR YOU ARE DRIVING:
-Read the manual – know how it operates
– DO A PRE-TRIP INSPECTION:
-Walk around the car, check tires, make sure wiper blades are not ripped or torn, tank if full of gas, etc.)
-MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE INSIDE AND OUT- YOUR FAMILY’S ASSET
-Importance of regular maintenance- for the engine and the body of the car
-TIRES:
-Good tires and how to know the age of your tire.
-BE PREPARED:
-BE sure to have Tim’s Towing or your preferred towers number programmed into your phone so that you are prepared should you find yourself in need.
-Have at least a ½ tank of gas. Allow your vehicle to warm up.
-Make sure that you are prepared should you find yourself in an emergency situation:
-NEVER try and change a tire on the side of a road.
-Have a towing number programmed in your phone.
-Make sure your phone is fully charged, keep the following items in your car: blanket, water, snack, emergency kit (flares, etc.)