When you’re stranded on the side of the road with places to be, it can feel like ages until help is on the way. However, it’s crucial to stay patient while you wait for roadside assistance. In fact, you could further endanger yourself and your passengers by getting out and walking around or trying to fix the automotive issue on your own. To ensure you’re ready to accept help when it comes, use the following tips to stay safe.

How to Stay Safe When Waiting for Roadside Assistance

1. Pull Over

Your first order of business in any on-the-road mishap should be to move your vehicle somewhere safe. Whether you exit the highway, pull into an emergency breakdown lane, or simply pull onto the shoulder, it’s crucial to prevent an accident by moving out of the flow of traffic. As you move, pay attention to where you end up, as the roadside assistance crew might need signifiers, such as mile markers or road signs, to find you.

2. Stay Visible

Even if you’ve managed to move your car out of the way, there’s still a chance that an approaching vehicle could miss the sight of you or assume your car is also in motion. To make your situation and position clear, turn on your hazard lights. This blinking signal will allow both fellow drivers and the roadside assistance crew to spot your location—especially at night or in the rain when visibility is limited.

3. Call & Wait

It’s important that you complete the first two steps before calling roadside assistance. While being on the phone while operating a vehicle is not safe, you’ll also need to wait until your car is repositioned to let the crew know your exact location. Once the professionals have notified you that they are on the way, simply sit tight. Exiting your car while on the side of the highway, even if just to stretch your legs, can be incredibly dangerous.

To prepare for an accident ahead of time, contact Mayse’s Towing in Wapakoneta, OH, today. They offer a variety of roadside assistance and towing services, so whether you discover a flat tire or a dead battery, you’ll be on your way to a safe and lasting solution. To get in touch with their crew, call (419) 738-2055. You can also learn more about the company by visiting their website.