When you find yourself experiencing a flat tire or engine failure while your car is in the middle of the road, the first step is to navigate to the right shoulder. However, sometimes this is not possible. A1 Towing Cincinnati, the premier tow truck company in Southwestern Ohio, offers some tips below to help you stay safe until help arrives. For more than 10 years, this emergency towing service has been rescuing drivers and their vehicles from precarious situations like this, so they have the experience and expertise to get you swiftly out of harm's way and back to safety.

Middle of the Road Car Breakdown Procedure

Remain Calm

The first step is to remain calm and don't do anything dangerous because you're in a panic. Take several deep breaths, assess your situation, and figure out what to do.

Stay In Your Car

If you cannot reach the shoulder on foot without crossing a busy traffic lane, it is often best to stay in your vehicle rather than risk being run down. At least your car or truck offers some measure of protection.

Turn On Hazard Lights & Hang Distress Flag

Switch on your hazard lights to signal to other motorists that your car is not working properly. Next, hang a white sheet of paper, a white t-shirt, or a light colored jacket out the window of your car as another method of communicating your distress to other drivers.  

Call a Tow Truck

Call a 24/7 towing service and tell them of your situation. As best you can, let them know your location. Tell them you are blocking the road so they know to bring flares, cones, or other emergency equipment.

Call the Police

If your situation seems particularly dangerous—i.e. lots of fast-moving traffic, a blind curve, or several near misses—it is a good idea to notify the police of your circumstances. If they can send a car to your location, the cruiser and its lights will slow traffic and warn motorists of an obstruction in the road.

A1 Towing Cincinnati offers fast, reliable, and courteous service when you are stranded, locked out, or dealing with a fender bender. Visit their website for contact details, or call (513) 602­-5493 to request emergency tow truck service.