Belleville Towing Company understands the stress that a roadside emergency can cause. It’s overwhelming, frightening, and sometimes just plain annoying. So, whether it’s your first time or your tenth time calling a towing company for assistance, we’re here to help. While we hope you never have to use it, here are 5 steps to take if you find yourself in an emergency roadside situation…
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Visible While Help is Coming
If you’re stranded on the side of the road, you could be hit by oncoming traffic. To avoid this, make yourself and your vehicle as visible as possible. When your car breaks down, turn on your hazard lights right away. This will alert other drivers to your situation, allowing them to slow down and safely pass you. If possible, pull over to the side of the road to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. Put on your emergency brakes and contact a towing company in Belleville or the police if you require emergency or medical assistance.
Step 2: Stay Calm
This is easier said than done, but it is important to keep your emotions in check during an emergency. This allows you to keep your head clear and make sound decisions. It also helps to keep those around you less panicked. Step back, take some deep breaths, and resist the natural urge to panic. Remind yourself that if you take the right steps, everything will be fine. When your judgement is no longer clouded by fear and distress, try to solve the problem.
Step 3: Store an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle
If you haven’t checked out our blog on what to keep in a roadside emergency kit, then you should read it right away. It’s always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car, home and office, so you’re prepared. Trust us when we say that your future self will thank you for thinking of them. A flashlight, properly inflated spare tire, jumper cables, coolant, jack and wrench, and reflective lights in your car could save your life.
Step 4: Know How to Change a Tire
Every driver should be able to do this. Even if you don’t have a car, you might end up assisting a friend who is stuck with a flat tire. While calling a towing service is a safe bet, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the worst. Knowing how to change a tire, and having a spare tire on hand, can save you time, money, and even your life.
Step 5: Keep Your Emergency Contact List Updated
If you are involved in a collision that renders you unconscious, it is vital that responders have someone to contact. Phones can now be programmed with emergency contacts without requiring physical access to the phone. Even if you have a passcode, others can send an alert to your emergency contacts if you are in trouble. So, if you don’t have anyone listed, or if it’s still your untrustworthy ex, update your list. It’s also important to have a local emergency contact rather than a family member across the country.
Need a Towing Company?
While we hope you avoid emergency situations, we hope you have peace of mind knowing that our towing company is here to help if you need it. Our emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact our team for unrivalled emergency towing and roadside assistance!