Breaking down on the freeway can be one of the most stressful situations for any driver. With cars speeding past at high speeds, the experience can feel overwhelming and even dangerous. Knowing what to do in this situation can help you remain calm, stay safe, and get help quickly. By following a few essential steps, you can minimize the risks and make the best out of an unexpected breakdown. In this blog post, the experts from KB Towing Service explore this further.
Stay Calm & Assess the Situation
The first step when your car starts to fail on the freeway is to remain as calm as possible. Panicking can cloud your judgment and lead to unsafe decisions. Take a moment to assess the problem—whether it’s a flat tire, engine trouble, or another issue. Knowing the nature of the breakdown will help you determine whether you can continue driving to the next exit or need to stop immediately.
Move to Safety
If your car is still capable of moving, safely maneuver to the shoulder of the freeway or an emergency lane. Use your turn signal, reduce your speed gradually, and avoid making sudden movements. If possible, stop near a mile marker or exit ramp, as this makes it easier for roadside assistance or emergency responders to find you. Staying in a moving lane puts you and other drivers at serious risk, so reaching a safe stopping point should be your priority.
Make Your Vehicle Visible
Once you have pulled over, make your vehicle as visible as possible to other drivers. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to warn oncoming traffic. If it is safe to do so, place reflective triangles or flares behind your vehicle to create a clear warning zone. Visibility is especially important at night or in poor weather conditions when other drivers may have difficulty seeing a disabled car.
Stay Inside the Vehicle if Unsafe to Exit
The freeway is a dangerous place to walk, so it is often safest to stay inside your car with your seatbelt fastened, especially if the shoulder is narrow. Exiting the vehicle should only be done if you are certain you are out of the flow of traffic and can move to a secure location, such as behind a guardrail. Standing outside close to speeding cars puts you at high risk of injury, so err on the side of caution.
Call for Assistance
Once you are safe, call for help. Depending on your situation, you may reach out to roadside assistance, a towing company, or even 911 if you are in a particularly dangerous location. Many insurance companies and auto clubs provide roadside coverage, so keeping this information handy can save time and stress. Be prepared to give your exact location using mile markers, highway signs, or a GPS app so help can reach you quickly.
Stay Alert Until Help Arrives
While waiting for assistance, remain vigilant. Keep your doors locked and be cautious if strangers approach. Although most people may be genuinely trying to help, it is generally safest to wait for professional assistance unless you are in immediate danger. Staying aware of your surroundings ensures that you are not caught off guard.
Towing & Roadside Assistance Services & More in Rowlett, Garland, Mesquite, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse & Greater Dallas, Texas
A car breakdown on the freeway is never convenient, but knowing the right steps can turn a frightening experience into a manageable one. By staying calm, moving to safety, making your vehicle visible, and contacting the right help, you can protect yourself and others on the road. Keeping an emergency kit in your car with items like a flashlight, reflective markers, and a phone charger can also provide extra peace of mind. Preparation and awareness are the keys to handling a breakdown with confidence. If you find yourself in these situations, call the professionals at KB Towing Service as soon as it happens and see how fast they respond to your call.
