Vehicle breakdowns are common and can happen at any time and place. The feeling of helplessness is the same whether you’re trapped on a bustling highway or a quiet residential street. Calling triple A towing service to come to get you is your only option. Because of its primary purpose as roadside help, AAA service is not designed to simply move your car.
However, what should you do in the meantime? By following these precautions, ensure you’re keeping yourself and your automobile safe while waiting; it’ll help you stay safe. For your protection, here are some guidelines to follow:
· Don’t freak out!
The single most appropriate protective rule to follow while waiting for a tow truck is this: be cool. This is easier said than done, but you should try to keep your cool, so you don’t do something dangerous to yourself, your vehicle, or other drivers on the road. A panicked person could accept a trip from an unknown motorist, putting themselves in danger. You’re also risking leaving your car alone. In a state of fear, it’s easy to forget to do things like switch on the warning lights so other drivers can see you. Try to relax and keep in mind that assistance is on the way.
· Pull the car over:
If feasible, pull over to the side of the road and then make that emergency call. You should get out of the path if you’re on a busy street or highway. There is a greater risk of being hit by another vehicle if you remain in the middle of the road.
If you are uninjured, but the automobile is stuck, you should get out of it and wait where there is no traffic. If you are lucky enough, having good weather or a place to stand within the view of the car makes this task much simpler.
· Contact the authorities:
The sooner their sirens and lights arrive, the sooner you’ll be safe again. Emergency personnel will arrive shortly and secure the area so that you and other drivers can continue on your way in safely. There’s a chance you’ll want to avoid involving law enforcement. Taking this course of action is unwise. Leaving the site of an accident without first calling for help can have serious legal repercussions. Furthermore, a police record is required before filing an insurance claim.
· Take stuff out of your vehicle:
Make sure you remove all of your valuables and critical documents from the car before the tow truck driver comes. If you do this, you may relax knowing that your valuables won’t be damaged or lost while your car is being towed. Your vehicle’s registration, proof of insurance and driver’s license will all be in a secure location, ready to be shown to the tow truck driver or auto repair shop.
· Don’t leave your car unattended:
While waiting for the tow truck, you can consider getting some fresh air by going for a stroll. Your patience may have worn thin, and you’ve decided to go elsewhere for help. For instance, if you’ve run out of gas or had a flat tire, you might consider stopping by a gas station for assistance. However, you should not do it. A police officer might write you up if they find your automobile abandoned. It’s possible that a thief or burglar will try to break into your car. It’s also possible that the tow truck will show up while you’re out. If you have called a reputable firm, you can sit tight and wait for them to show up.
· Don’t accept unsolicited rides or tows:
In an ideal world, a request for assistance would always be met with genuineness, and no ill will would ever be implied. However, if you’re concerned about your safety, you should probably stay in your car and politely deny assistance from strangers. Unless you feel confident asking for help, being out in public or your car is the best option.
Conclusion:
Having your vehicle break down while you’re miles from anything is an annoying and dangerous experience. While waiting for your towing service, you may wait in peace, knowing that the above road safety recommendations protect you.
You should get the Classic AAA Roadside Assistance Plan, which covers towing up to 5 kilometers from the breakdown location. This level allows four annual service calls. It’s not long-distance, but it’s handy if your vehicle is close.
Ensure the towing service knows if any of your kids are in the vehicle. If you let them know you’re stranded because of an emergency, they may send the tow truck to pick you up immediately.
