The side of a road is a dangerous place for a human being. According to a recent study by the FHA (Federal High Administration) the United States averages about 4,000 pedestrian fatalities per year, many of which where stuck on the shoulder by an unaware driver.
Limit your chances of becoming one of these unfortunate statistics and have a plan in place so you know what to do when an emergency on the road occurs unexpectedly. Here at Reliable Towing Service we’ve put together a common sense safety protocol we recommend your take as you wait on one of our tow trucks to arrive.
Be Prepared
Unfortunately you can never tell exactly when you’ll need roadside assistance, but you can limits it’s impact by being prepared for it. If possible, have a good towing company on speed dial like Reliable Guys Towing @ (314) 325-1016 and make sure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle at all time. An absolute necessity, an emergency kit should include the following:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Reflective Triangles
- Jumper cables
- Instant Tire Inflator
- Rope – Adequate gage for winching your vehicle
- Gloves and warm blanket for winter breakdowns
- First aid kit
Pull Over To The Right
If you believe your car is about to stall, or you lost control and functionality, guide your vehicle safely to the right of the road, well into shoulder if available. While you don’t want to jerk your car over, you’ll want to do this as quickly as safely possible, since you do not want to become stranded in the middle of the road.
Make sure you move far enough into the should to allow adequate space between your car and oncoming traffic, however don’t over-do it and keep it on the pavement. We’ve see far too many drivers over-compensate only to end up in a ditch.
Make Yourself Visible
As soon as possible – preferably as your pulling over – turn on your hazard lights to indicate to other drivers that you’re vehicle is incapacitated.
Once you’ve come to a complete stop, exit your vehicle on the passenger side (important!) and set up the safety triangles you’ve got in your emergency kit in front of, and behind your vehicles about 60 feet each way. These will further inform oncoming traffic that your car has a problem.
Call for Help
If you’ve determined that your car is in too poor a state to drive any further, stay in the vehicle and use your cell phone to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck. If you’re stranded in a dangerous area, don’t hesitate to call the police and remain in your car with the doors securely locked until someone arrives. If a stranger approaches the car, only roll your window down enough to talk and to hear what that person is saying.
Call Reliable Guys For Your Next Tow Truck Service
Looking for a reliable towing company in the St. Louis area? Why not choose the towing team with over 20 years experience exclusively in our proud Gateway City.
Fully insured, licensed and bonded in the states of Missouri and Illinois, the folks at Reliable Guys Towing pride themselves in clear communication to ensure that services, prices and quality far surpass our competition. We know our talented technicians are the best in the business, and we go that extra mile in resolving our clients issue so that they feel comfortable and assured for their Roadside Assistance needs.
From wrecker service, to vehicle transportation, to jump-start service, we’d be more than happy to serve you with your roadside assistance needs.
Give us a call at (314) 325-1016 and one of our knowledgeable towing service reps will help assist getting a tow truck to you as quickly as possible.
