Drivers Premier

We've all seen it: a car pulled over on the side of the highway, hazard lights flashing. Flat tires, dead batteries, and overheats are just a fact of driving life. But what often goes unseen—and what demands your immediate attention—are the extreme dangers associated with these roadside incidents.

The statistics are grim: The Federal Highway Administration reports thousands of pedestrian fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries each year from roadway crashes. When your vehicle breaks down, you instantly become a pedestrian on a battlefield of fast-moving traffic.

Your mission? To prioritize your personal safety above all else.

Professional service providers are trained to manage this risk. Now, here is your essential guide to ensuring you and your loved ones stay safe during any roadside event.

Immediate Action: Secure Your Location

The first few minutes after recognizing trouble are the most critical.

1. Don't Panic, Just Act: If you feel the car slowing or handling strangely, resist the urge to panic. Keep your focus on steering and immediately turn on your hazard lights. This is your primary warning signal to other drivers.

2. Get Off the Road: Your goal is simple: Maximum Distance from Traffic. Moving vehicles pose the greatest threat to your safety.

   • The Golden Rule: If at all possible, take the nearest exit and pull into a parking lot, gas station, or rest area. Do not stop on the main road.

   • If You Must Stop: Pull onto the right shoulder and drive as far off the pavement as you can get. The ditch is better than the lane.

   • Danger Zones to Avoid: Never stop near a curve, over a hill crest, or in a construction zone where visibility is low. Never stop on the left-hand shoulder.

Post-Stop Protocol: Maximize Visibility, Minimize Exposure

Once the car is safely stopped, your next moves determine your survivability.

1. Exit and Assess (If Safe): If you are stopped on a busy road or highway shoulder, you must safely exit the vehicle and get away from it. Move to the passenger side to exit if the driver's side is too close to traffic.

2. Find Cover: Do not stand between your car and the traffic lane. If there is a guardrail, move behind the guardrail and wait there. If you have reflective cones or triangles, set them up (only if it is safe to do so).

3. No DIY, No Friends: Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself. Do not call a friend or family member for a quick repair. Even a simple tire change can result in catastrophic injury in poor visibility or weather. Leave the diagnosis, repair, and lifting to the professionals who are trained and equipped for roadside conditions.

The Fast Track to Help: Use Your Coverage

Don’t waste time Googling a tow company or comparing rates. Rely on the trusted network you already pay for.

• Roadside Assistance is Essential: Whether through your motor club, auto insurance, or vehicle manufacturer, utilize your existing roadside coverage for flat tires, jump starts, lockouts, or towing. If you aren't certain you have it, call your provider now and add it. It is worth the peace of mind.

• Use the App/Online Portal: The quickest way to get help is often online. Most modern assistance programs allow you to request service, track your provider's ETA in real-time, and ensure accurate location pin-pointing.

Wait Smart, Stay Safe

Once help is dispatched, your final job is to wait safely.

• Remain in a Safe Zone: Keep yourself behind the guardrail or away from traffic flow until the service provider arrives.

• Let the Experts Work: The service technician is licensed, insured, and trained. They do not need your help or input during the actual repair or tow operation. Allow them to focus on their job so they can get you moving again quickly and safely.

You can’t plan for a breakdown, but you can absolutely plan how to handle it safely. Be prepared now, and you’ll be ready for anything the road throws your way.