Experiencing a vehicle breakdown can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation, especially if it occurs while driving on a highway, or a rural roadway at night in Wayne County. Knowing how to handle a breakdown safely can help protect both yourself and other motorists on the road.
Many towing companies (especially in Wooster) will tell you that you should immediately call them and “We’ll Come Gitcha!” But calling a towing service right away is definitely not the first thing you should do when you have a breakdown on the road.
Big Reds Hook & Book Towing wants to keep you safe, so here are some important things to do if you ever have a breakdown, and before you call anyone for roadside assistance:
1. Stay Calm and Signal
If you notice signs of a breakdown such as strange noises, dashboard warning lights, or loss of power, remain calm and safely maneuver your vehicle to the side of the road. Use your turn signals to indicate your intention to pull over, and try to find a safe location away from traffic where you can stop and possibly park.
2. Activate Hazard Lights
Once you’ve safely pulled over, immediately activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence. This will help increase visibility and reduce the risk of a collision while you assess the situation.
3. Assess the Vehicle Breakdown Situation
Take a few moments to assess the nature of the breakdown carefully, and determine whether it’s safe to attempt to get out of your vehicle. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, it’s probably best to wait for professional assistance.
4. Exit the Vehicle Safely
If it’s safe to do so, exit your vehicle through the passenger side door to avoid stepping out into oncoming traffic. Make sure all passengers, including pets, exit the vehicle safely and move to a secure location away from the road.
5. Stay Clear of Traffic
Once outside your vehicle, stay clear of traffic and remain on the roadside or in a designated emergency lane if available. Avoid standing directly behind or in front of your vehicle to minimize the risk of being struck by passing vehicles.
6. Call for Roadside Assistance
Now is the time to contact a reliable local towing service or roadside assistance provider to request help. Be prepared to provide your location, a description of the problem, and any relevant details about your vehicle and its surroundings to expedite the process.
If you call Big Reds to help you, we can get to you quickly. Our towing garage is located at US-30 and OH-83 and we can reach any location in Wooster within minutes, and any location in our wider service area in under an hour. Helping people in trouble is our favorite kind of work, and we will do all we can you get you to safety, and your vehicle where it needs to go next.
What to Do After You’ve Called for Help
1. Wait Safely
While waiting for assistance to arrive, stay a safe distance from the road and avoid standing directly in front of your vehicle. Use reflective triangles or flares if you have them to further increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
If you’re in a difficult place, such as one of those screwy roundabout intersections on the north end of Wooster, it may be best to stay inside your vehicle until help arrives. In stressful situations like that it is perfectly OK to call 911 and ask them for help. We have a very professional city police force in Wooster, and the county Sheriff’s deputies are excellent too. They’ll get the situation under control quickly and they know who to call when drivers need careful, professional roadside assistance.
2. Be Wary of Strangers
While it’s natural to appreciate offers of help from well-meaning strangers, use caution when accepting assistance from individuals you don’t know. Trust your instincts and prioritize your safety above all else, whether you have a vehicle breakdown in town or out in the country.
3. Follow Instructions from Authorities
If law enforcement or other emergency response personnel arrive on the scene, follow their instructions carefully and cooperate fully. They are there to help ensure your safety and the safety of others, and more may be happening at the scene than you’re aware of.
4. Document the Incident
Once the situation has been resolved, take note of any relevant details such as the time and location of the breakdown, the names of any individuals involved, and any actions taken. This information may be useful for insurance claims or future reference. Big Reds will certainly help you with this. We keep good records of every call and every service we perform.
By following these tips, you can effectively handle a vehicle breakdown safely and minimize the potential risks associated with roadside emergencies. Remember, your safety should always be your top priority.