Roadside emergencies happen all the time. They can happen to anyone, at any time. Although some are more serious than others, it?s always important to stay calm and not panic. The best thing you can do in a situation like a roadside emergency is to stay collected and think with your head. We have compiled a list of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and everyone else around you in a roadside emergency.
Get off the road
Before you do anything, pull your vehicle off the road as much as possible. If you can find a nearby parking lot or a break-down lane, even better. If you stop the car on the shoulder of a busy highway, don?t exit from the driver?s side. Instead, get out of the car from the passenger side.
Letting people know something?s wrong
Make your car as visible as possible. Put the hazards on the vehicle as soon as you realize there?s a problem. When stopped, use anything you can find to let people know that you?ve had a breakdown. Flares, hazard triangles, or even a warning light. Remember to place the warning light several dozen feet behind the car, so as to give people time to react.
Keep the doors locked
If you?re alright and the vehicle does not present a threat, remain inside with the doors locked and the seatbelts on. It?s important to stay with the car and not leave it, at least until the authorities arrive. If you have to get out of the vehicle, don?t stray too far but don?t sit completely next to it either.
Call Roadside Assistance
Unless you have to contact the authorities (in the case of a crash), get on the phone with roadside assistance so that they can get you out of that predicament as soon as possible. Alert them with your whereabouts and the situation that unfolded.
Exercise Caution
Although most people will stop and help you, use good judgment when accepting help from complete strangers. If you deem someone too suspicious, only lower the window enough to where you?re able to talk. If help is already on the way, let them know that you?re okay and that they can get on their way. If you don?t have a phone ask them to call someone for you.
Keep supplies
Although you have to be prepared for this one, this is a great heads-up. Keep some emergency supplies in your car at all times. A blanked and a first aid kit are crucial, as is at least one bottle of water. A spare tire comes in handy sometimes, as does a jack and a fix-a-flat.
Remember to keep calm and you?ll be just fine. It?s a situation most people have gone through at least once in their life, and there?s no reason to panic. If you want a durable and robust vehicle which will never leave you stranded, take a look at Don Vance Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and their huge assortment of new and used cars.
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