What to Do When You Need Emergency Help on Highways in the USA
We’ve all been there: driving down the highway, enjoying the road, and then suddenly, something goes wrong with your vehicle. Maybe it’s an unexpected breakdown, a flat tire, or worse, your car overheats and comes to a sudden halt. If you find yourself stuck on the highway, it can be stressful and even dangerous. But don’t panic—there are steps you can take to stay safe and get the emergency help you need. Let me walk you through the process and share a few tips based on my own experiences.
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1. Stay Calm and Ensure Your Safety First
When your car breaks down on the highway, the first thing you should do is stay calm. Panicking can make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, and then think logically about your surroundings. Before doing anything else, ensure your safety. If you can, safely pull your vehicle over to the shoulder or off the road entirely. The more distance you can create between your vehicle and the flow of traffic, the better.
If you are on a busy highway, especially at night, consider turning on your hazard lights immediately. This alerts other drivers to your presence, reducing the risk of a collision. If you have a reflective triangle or flares, set them up at least 50 feet behind your vehicle to create a visual barrier. This extra precaution can help protect you from oncoming traffic.
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2. Assess the Situation and Identify the Problem
Once you’ve made sure you’re in a safe spot, it’s time to assess the situation. If you know a thing or two about cars, you may be able to identify the problem right away. Maybe you’re dealing with a flat tire or a broken belt. If this is the case, and you have the tools and knowledge to fix it, you can attempt to make the repair yourself. But be careful—if you’re unsure, it’s better to leave the repairs to professionals who are trained to handle these situations.
If the issue seems beyond your ability to fix on the spot, don’t worry—there are plenty of options for getting the help you need. The most important thing is to recognize when it’s time to call for emergency assistance.
3. Call for Roadside Assistance or Towing Services
Now that you've assessed the situation, it’s time to contact the professionals. In the U.S., roadside assistance is a common service offered by insurance companies, automobile clubs, and specialized towing companies. If you have a membership with an automobile club or a roadside assistance plan through your insurance, call them right away. They can send help to your location and assist with services such as jump-starting your car, changing a flat tire, or even towing your vehicle to a repair shop.
If you don’t have access to roadside assistance, or you prefer to go through a towing company, it’s essential to find a reliable one. In my experience, it’s always a good idea to call a towing company that has positive reviews and is known for fast, reliable service. Many companies offer 24/7 emergency assistance, so you can rest assured they’ll be there whenever you need them.
4. Provide Clear Information to the Dispatcher
When you call for help, make sure to provide clear and accurate information to the dispatcher. The more details you can provide, the faster and more efficiently the response will be. Let them know:
- Your exact location (mile marker, road name, or GPS coordinates if possible)
- The type of problem you're experiencing with your vehicle
- If there are any hazards or dangerous conditions (such as heavy traffic or bad weather)
- If you are with passengers, including children or pets, so the dispatcher can prioritize your case accordingly
Don’t forget to ask for an estimated time of arrival (ETA), especially if you’re in a potentially hazardous situation. Knowing when help will arrive can help you plan your next steps.
5. Wait for Help Safely
Once you’ve called for help, the next step is to wait. This can be the hardest part, especially if you’re stranded in a remote area or it’s late at night. However, it’s crucial to remain inside your vehicle if you’re on a busy highway. Walking along the side of the road, especially in traffic, can be dangerous.
While waiting, keep your seatbelt on and keep your doors locked for extra safety. If it’s safe to do so, you might want to step out of the car to stretch your legs, but always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
6. Know When to Seek Further Assistance
Sometimes, the issue with your car may be more complicated than expected. If you’ve waited for a considerable amount of time and no help has arrived, or if the service provided does not fully resolve the issue, it might be time to explore additional assistance. You may need to contact another towing company or even seek help from a local mechanic who can provide more in-depth repairs. In these cases, having a backup plan for emergency contacts is crucial.
7. Share Your Experience and Stay Prepared for Future Emergencies
One of the most valuable things I've learned from past roadside emergencies is the importance of staying prepared. Keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle, including things like a flashlight, basic first aid supplies, water, and non-perishable snacks, can make a huge difference in your comfort and safety while waiting for help. In addition, keeping a list of emergency contacts, including your towing company and roadside assistance provider, readily available can save you precious time when every second counts.
It’s also helpful to share your experiences with friends and family to make sure they’re prepared in case they ever find themselves in a similar situation. The more we educate ourselves and others about how to handle emergencies on the highway, the safer we all become.
Next time you’re on the road, remember that having the right knowledge and resources can make all the difference in a stressful situation. Stay calm, stay safe, and always know where to turn when you need help on the highway.
