Did your car break down in the middle of the night? This can be a terrifying experience, especially if you are out on the road by yourself. Staying safe should be a priority. What if you are in the middle of a road trip or hundreds of miles away from family and friends? There are no loved ones that can come and bring you to safety, while you wait for roadside assistance or for your car to be towed. However, Titan Towing has a couple of tips for staying safe when your car breaks down at night.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
As soon as your car starts having trouble, turn on your hazard lights to warn cars around you. That way, drivers won’t be surprised when you slow down or pull off to the side. The dark makes it harder for drivers to see each other on the road. That’s why we recommend turning on your headlights as well for staying safe.
Pull Over
Depending on how well your car is still functioning, you might be able to pull it over to the side or to the nearest parking lot. This will reduce the risk of collision. Some rural roads or roads with steep gullies make pulling aside difficult. However, do your best while staying safe.
Figure Out Your Location
As soon as you have calmed down a bit, and adjusted to your surroundings, figure out what road you are on. Trying to read street signs and find landmarks is a lot harder at night, but try your best before calling a tow company. The more detail you provide about your specific location, the easier the tow truck will find you.
Call For Help
Don’t try to fix the problem on your own, especially at night. You can be injured by a passing car because it’s harder to see at night. And, it’s best to get a professional to fix the problem, especially if you are inexperienced. You could damage your car even further and make the situation worse. Call a tow company, like Titan Towing, and 911 if you are in a really bad spot.
Stay In Your Car
Wait for help in your car and lock the doors. You are much safer in a vehicle that is flashing lights than outside of it. If you have to get out in order to find landmarks or read the street signs, use the passenger seat to get out.
Don’t Run Your Engine Continuously
If your engine still works, don’t take advantage of it. Only run the engine every 15 minutes or so, to avoid wasting fuel and battery.
Always Carry a Blanket
You never know how long you could be stranded, or what the weather will be like. Always carry a blanket in your car in case of emergencies like this. It will keep you warm, especially if you are trying to save some fuel.
Titan Towing to the Rescue
If you are stuck on the road in the middle of the night, get in touch with Titan Towing right away. We will send our expert technicians your way to provide roadside assistance or tow your car to your desired location. In the meantime, follow these 7 tips for staying safe while waiting for our help.
