No matter how much you care for your car’s maintenance, some or the other time you are going to face an emergency while you are on the road heading towards your destination. The best solution is first to remain calm and composed in this situation and second to be prepared for it with best tools. Here are some tips on what to do till the tow truck arrives for your help.
1. Create a Roadside Emergency Kit
Before you face a car breakdown or accident, you should build a supply kit which should contain items you will require if emergencies do take place. This kit will help you survive in unkind conditions such as cold. It will also help you to go through the long waiting period before the tow truck comes to rescue you, especially if the road is desolate.
Such a kit should contain a first aid kit, water and food like energy bars, warm blankets, candles and matches, flashlight and batteries, fire extinguishers, a charged power bank for cell phones and tools like wrenches, sealants, a spare wheel and jacks. If it’s winter, you should also carry scraper, snowbrush, small shovel and antifreeze.
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2. Before Leaving
You should be prepared for a road emergency with the above-mentioned kit. Also keep your cell phone fully charged so that you can call for roadside assistance when an emergency occurs. Make sure that you have got the emergency kit. Keep phone numbers of trusted roadside assistance services like Roadside Response, car towing services in Canberra, Adelaide and Perth, easily accessible in the car.
3. When Emergency Occurs
When you realize that your car needs repairs or you undergo a minor accident, go out of the travel lane immediately and get to the side of the road. There are emergency shoulders on some highways where you can park in safely. After parking, tie a white kerchief or cloth to the antenna or door handle of the car to indicate to other motorists that you are in need of help.
Also set up warning signs to show other drivers that your car is parked in that area. Prefer to stay inside the car all the time except while signaling for help or performing a repair.
4. Bad Weather Emergencies
If you face an emergency in rain or snow, it’s extremely important to stay inside the car as far as possible. Go out only to set up reflectors. Never roam out on the road. Poor visibility can lead to other motorists hit you. Keep yourself warm with blankets and other supplies.
5. Get Identification
When you will call for roadside assistance like Roadside Response – trustworthy roadside assistance in Melbourne, get the name of the tow truck driver or the license plate number of the tow truck. This will enable you to verify that the tow truck and driver that arrive at you are legitimate. Verify these details before getting out from your vehicle.
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6. Keep Moving Over
When you come to know about the problem, keep moving over as far from the speeding traffic and as on to a shoulder as you can. This will keep you safe from the oncoming traffic and also make it more convenient for the tow truck driver to position the tow truck next to your vehicle and your vehicle can be towed safely.
7. Don’t Accept Help Randomly
It’s best to call an authentic professional or trusted family member or friend for help. If a stranger stops by to offer help, you should be cautious though it’s possible that s/he may be well-intentioned. Lower window only enough to be able to talk and use your gut feeling to judge them for accepting help. Otherwise thank them for stopping by and tell politely that you will soon get help.
