No matter how well you maintain your vehicle, chances are that at some point your vehicle will become disabled while you are in transit. Stopping alongside the roadway is always dangerous, so this article contains some tips and suggestions to improve your personal safety in the event that this situation occurs.
Be mindful of your location… you may need to call for assistance and you’ll need to provide a location. A highway name or identifier, landmarks, road markers, and exit numbers can be used to direct someone to you. If safe and possible to do so, continue driving until you can exit the roadway. If you cannot exit safely, move your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible and try to find a well-lit area.
If your vehicle suddenly becomes disabled and you cannot move it off the roadway, activate your hazard and parking lights. If your vehicle is disabled in the roadway and you’re concerned about being struck from behind by another vehicle, you may want to exit your vehicle, but only if it is safe to do so.
Whenever you are disabled, always make your vehicle as visible as possible by activating the hazard and parking lights. If it is safe to do so, be sure to place flares or warning triangles behind your vehicle to warn other motorists.
If you are near moving traffic, don’t try to repair your vehicle yourself… instead, call for roadside assistance.
If you exit your vehicle, always exit opposite of oncoming traffic. Be constantly aware of oncoming vehicles and your surroundings. Then stay away from the roadway and never stand behind or near your vehicle.
You should make yourself as visible as possible. Be sure to wear reflective clothing and use a flashlight after dark.
Once you leave your vehicle, be aware that you become a pedestrian, so be extra vigilant.
Always remember… safety first!