Planning a Road Trip? Here’s What You Should Know in Case of a Breakdown
There’s nothing that quite reflects freedom and adventure like a road trip, whether for a family vacation or a solo scenic drive. But as you’re organizing your stops, packing the snacks and mapping out the routes, there’s one thing you can’t forget: What to do if you break down on the side of the road. Here at A-1 Towing Inc., we’ve done it all, and we want you to know what you’re getting into. Here’s what you need to know:
Stay Safe and Stay In Your Vehicle
The first thing to do is ensure that you’re in a safe place where you won’t be struck if your vehicle breaks down. If you can, pull to the shoulder or a rest stop. Put your hazard lights on right away. If it is safe to stay in the car, especially when you are on a crowded highway, do that. Your vehicle provides better shelter than being outside.
Keep Calm
It can be scary to break down, especially in unfamiliar places, but it’s essential to remain calm. Panic clouds judgment and makes it more difficult to make safe choices. Breathe a bit, look at your surroundings and figure out what your next move is.
Call for Help
Charge and bring your cellular phone with you while you are on your trip. And if you’ve got an emergency, don’t wait to call 911. How do I request a tow truck or roadside service? For non-emergency service, call your towing company, roadside assistance service or insurance provider. It is wise to have the telephone numbers saved in your phone or written down in your glove compartment.
Do Not Rely on Strangers
It would be tempting to accept some assistance from another well-intentioned stranger. Still, you may not want to take the risk of getting into a car or having a vehicle with an unfamiliar person. The agents themselves are not always trained, and not all have good intentions. A layperson might damage your vehicle or even pose a threat to your safety. Reliable, licensed tows can only come from professionals such as A1 Towing Inc.
Be Prepared Before You Leave
Famously, there are engineers and non-engineers; while it’s a joke, it is also a bellwether for people’s willingness to plan or be stuck in a breakdown. Pack these road trip accessories in your car:
- Spare tire and jack
- Jumper cables
- Phone chargers (car and portable)
- First aid kit
- Reflective safety gear
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- Basic tools
- Water and snacks
Having these items handy can be the difference in a timely and safe recovery from a breakdown.
Inform Your Family or Friends
Be sure to let your loved ones know what to do. Tell someone where you are, what happened and how you are handling it. Frequent check-ins give you peace of mind, and the same for those of us waiting for you!
Final Thoughts
Things go wrong with even the best-kept vehicles. The point is preparation and mental speed. With the proper attitude and tools, you can deal with an unexpected situation with assurance. At A-1 Towing Inc., we are only a phone call away and prepared to help get you on your way — safely.
Safe travels!
Need Assistance? A-1 Towing Inc. — Trustworthy. Professional. Always Ready.