Whether it be a flat tire, a breakdown or even an accident, there’s a good chance we’ll all experience some sort of roadside emergency in our lifetimes. And if it happens on a busy street or highway where you have to contend with heavy traffic flow, a bad situation can quickly become worse.
If you should experience a roadside emergency while driving, make personal safety your first priority. Follow these safety recommendations from the Insurance Information Institute, and help ensure that one accident doesn’t become two:
- Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine damage on a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe, out-of-the-way spot, and then get out of the car. If you’ve been in an accident, motion for the other driver to do the same.
- If your car won’t run or if it is so badly damaged that it can’t be driven, stay in the vehicle and use a cell phone to call for help. Whatever you do, remember that it’s a bad idea to stand outside the vehicle in the flow of traffic.
- Carry flags or reflective triangles in your vehicle so you can mark your location in the event of an emergency. And remember to turn on your hazard lights. These steps are critical in giving other drivers advanced warning of a problem ahead.
- If you have a tire blowout or a flat, move your vehicle to a safer place out of harm’s way before attempting a repair, even if it means destroying the wheel. The cost of a new tire, rim or wheel is well worth it when it means ensuring your safety.
Source: Insurance Information Institute