questions about towing services answered

Posted on: 14 May 2019

If you've got plans to travel now that the weather is warming up, take the time to prepare for possible roadside emergencies. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road where you don't know what to do next. Here are four steps that will help you respond to a roadside emergency.

1.  Be Prepared With Emergency Backup

Whether you're heading out for a few hours or a few days, be prepared for a roadside emergency. Car problems can leave you stranded no matter how far you are from home.

Before you take off in your car, you should always ensure that you have what you'll need to wait out an emergency. Two of the most important pieces of equipment you can have in your car deal with your cell phone.

In an emergency, you'll need to be able to call for help. Each time you head out in your car, make sure you have a portable charger and a reception booster. That way, you'll have the power and the reception to call for help when you need it.

2.  Know Where You Are

When it comes to traveling in your car, it's essential that you know where you are at all times. If you end up on the side of the road, you'll need to be able to provide your exact location. Unfortunately, you won't be able to do that if you haven't been keeping track of your travels.

One way to ensure that you know where you are is to monitor your travels with your GPS device. That way, when you call for help, you'll know exactly where you are.

3.  Ensure Visibility

If you're left dealing with car trouble while you're traveling, try to choose the best place to wait for assistance. Of course, you want to try and get as far out of traffic as possible. However, you also want to ensure adequate visibility.

You may feel that you're safer finding someplace that's out of the way. However, that's not necessarily the best option. First, finding an out-of-the-way place to wait for assistance will make it more difficult for responders to locate you.

Second, if you're in an out-of-the-way place, you won't be visible to passing motorists should an emergency occur while you're waiting. Try to choose a spot that gets you off the road while still allowing you to be visible to other motorists.

4.  Call for Help

When you're dealing with a roadside emergency, you need to call for help as quickly as possible. If you're not in immediate danger, the first phone call you make should be to your roadside assistance company. That way, they can dispatch a tow driver immediately. However, if you're in danger, such as your car is stuck in a traffic lane, you need to call 911.