If you require tow truck services, there are some things you can do to ensure you stay safe while waiting for assistance. A car at the side of the road is at risk for accidents, and guidelines that you would normally follow to ensure the safety of your car, yourself, and your possessions shouldn't be forgotten.
The following tips should help you stay safe as you wait for emergency roadside assistance.
Park or Pull Over in a Safe Place
The first thing you should do is to park or pull over in a safe place. Always try to pick a well-lit area with plenty of other people around. You may feel like it's alright to wait for tow truck service by the side of the road, but this isn't always the safest option.
If you think there are no areas with a lot of people around or the tow truck service company dispatched is too far away (meaning the tow truck driver will take a while to arrive), you might want to consider parking at a close-by gas station.
It's important to avoid dangerous situations as you wait for tow trucks. It's better to be safe than sorry. If your vehicle breaks down on the road, try to pull over to the side to avoid blocking traffic or causing accidents.
Ensure Your Car Is Visible
If your vehicle breaks down at night, pull off the side of the road, turn on the flashers, and place hazard warning lights to ensure that others will see you. You can do this by using flares or reflective warning signs. If you're parked in an area where tow trucks can't easily spot you, use a tow truck light bar if you have one. If you don't, consider purchasing one before you get into a situation where you will need one. Ensuring your car is visible reduces the chances of other road users hitting your vehicle.
Be Cautious with Strangers
While you are waiting for tow truck assistance, someone who seems nice enough might offer you a ride to the tow truck service provider. While this is kind of nice, you shouldn't accept rides from strangers. This can be risky as you cannot know a stranger's true intentions. You should also avoid walking long distances at night because it puts you at risk.
Don't Leave Valuables in Your Vehicle
If you need tow truck service, you should leave nothing valuable in your car. You'll want to remove personal items and anything else of significant value like laptops or cell phones. Leaving valuables in your vehicle makes them easy targets for break-ins if you are waiting somewhere that isn't in your car, even if you are nearby. You also won't want to leave valuables in your car when it is sitting at an auto repair place. This can be avoided by simply keeping all of your valuables with you.
Share20 July 2021
The first time I had to have a vehicle towed, I was confused by why they asked me if the car was two or four-wheel drive. When the tow truck driver showed up, I asked him. He explained the difference in how the two types of vehicles were towed, then started telling me about some of the general best practices for safe towing. That's when I started to research the fundamentals and the tips for successful towing. I built this blog as an opportunity to chronicle everything that I learned, hoping that it will help others understand what type of tow truck they'll need for their vehicle.