Whether you’ve run out of gas or your tire blew out, waiting for a towing service can feel tedious. No one likes to feel helpless on the side of the road, but knowing that a capable team is on the way will minimize your anxiety. In the meantime, use the following list of do’s and don’ts to protect yourself and your passengers.

Do:

Pull over to safety.

If possible, move your car to the side of the road, or onto the shoulder of the highway, and turn on your hazard lights. This will prevent you from causing an accident by blocking traffic, and the lights will signal to passing drivers that they should slow down when approaching your vehicle. Without these visual cues, drivers may not be able to see that you’ve stopped, increasing the risk of a collision.

Gather your personal belongings.

When the towing service arrives to transport your vehicle, you won’t be riding in it — either call a friend for a ride or count on the tow truck to provide alternate transportation. To prepare for this, use the wait time to gather all personal belongings before your car is taken in for repairs, including your phone, wallet, and purse or briefcase.

Don’t:

Exit the vehicle.

Unless you’re stalled in a parking lot or pulled alongside a business, you’re safest staying put. Instead of risking an accident by putting flares around your car, just turn on your hazard lights and remain in the vehicle with your seat belt fastened.

Accept a ride from a stranger.

After a roadside mishap, it’s normal to feel anxious to leave the situation as soon as possible. However, if a good samaritan comes along before the towing service and offers you a ride, don’t give in to impatience. Some strangers use this as an opportunity to pick up stranded passengers and have a friend steal their vehicle before it can be towed.
 

If you’re looking for a reliable towing service to call on in an emergency, get to know Auto World Tire & Auto of St. Louis County, MO. Once your car has been transported to safety, their team of ASE-certified technicians will perform lasting repairs, so you can get back on the road with peace of mind. To learn more about their roadside assistance services, call (314) 895-4455 or visit the website.