A car breaking down on the side of the road has to be one of the most stressful situations for a driver. Whether your vehicle experiences engine failure, a blown tire, or a collision, it’s important to take precautions in these emergency situations.
Before you head out on any drive – especially a long one – make sure you have the number of a reliable towing company saved in your phone. This way, you can sit back and relax knowing help is just a click away.
At Mundie’s Towing and Recovery, we understand how devastating a roadside emergency can be. It’s overwhelming, scary, and sometimes just downright annoying. So, if it’s your first time or your tenth calling a towing company for assistance, rest assured we’re here to walk you through it. While hoping you never have to use it, here are 5 steps to take if stuck in an emergency roadside situation…
Step 1: make sure you’re visible while help is on the way
If you’re stuck on the side of the road, you’re at risk of being hit by oncoming traffic. To prevent this, make sure you and your vehicle are as visible as can be. When your car breaks down, turn your hazard lights on immediately. This will alert other drivers of your situation so they can slow down and pass you safely. If you can, pull off to the side of the road to keep out of traffics way. Pop on your emergency brakes and call a towing company in Vancouver or the police if emergency or medical assistance is needed.
Step 2: stay calm
This is easier said than done; however, in times of emergency, it’s crucial to keep your emotions in check. This helps you keep a clear head so you can make smart and rational decisions. So, once you’re in a safe position to do so, step back, take some deep breaths, and resist the natural urge to panic. Remind yourself that everything will be fine if you take the right steps. When your judgement is no longer clouded with sheer fear and distress, try to problem solve.
Step 3: store an emergency kit in your car
This one is all about planning ahead of time. It’s always wise to have an emergency kit in your car, house, and office space. Trust us, your future self will be thanking you for thinking of them. For your car, basic items such as a flashlight, properly inflated spare tire, jumper cables, coolant, jack and wrench, and reflective lights could just save your life.
Some other ideas for your car emergency kit include:
- Reflective clothing (e.g., reflective vest)
- High-calorie snacks (protein bars, trail mix, etc.)
- A water bottle
- A spare phone (in case yours is dead or damaged in the accident)
Step 4: learn how to change a tire
This is a skill every driver should know. Heck, even if you don’t have a car, you could end up helping a friend in a sticky, flat-tire situation. While calling a towing company is a reliable option, it’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst. So, knowing how to change a tire, and of course, actually having a spare tire on hand, could save time, money, even your life.
Step 5: have an updated emergency contact in your phone
Should you be involved in a collision that knocks you unconscious, it’s important that responders have someone to call. Phones nowadays can be programmed with emergency contacts, without needing access to the phone. Even if you have a passcode, people can send an alert to your listed emergency contacts that you’re in trouble. So, if you don’t have anyone listed, or if it’s still your estranged, unreliable ex, take a moment to update your list. Also important to note, it’s a good idea to have a local emergency contact rather than a family member across the country.
Need a towing company?
While we hope you stay out of emergency situations, we hope you have the peace of mind knowing that our towing company is here to help if you need us. No matter the time or day, our emergency services run round the clock. Contact our team for quick, safe, and unmatched emergency roadside assistance and towing!