Stuck on the Shoulder? 5 Critical Safety Steps While Waiting for Roadside Assistance

Your first instinct might be to focus on getting the car to an auto repair shop. Before that happens, though, your priority should be something much simpler.

Keeping yourself safe. Therefore, here are five things you should do while waiting for help to arrive.

1. Get as Far Off the Road as You Can

If the vehicle is still moving, don't stop in the middle of traffic unless you have no other choice. Ease onto the shoulder or another safe location where your vehicle is as far away from passing traffic as possible.

A few extra feet can make a huge difference, especially on highways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds. If the car won't move any farther, stay calm and avoid stepping into traffic to inspect the problem. Always remember that your safety comes first!

2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights Immediately

Hazard lights tell other drivers that something isn't normal. The sooner you switch them on, the sooner approaching traffic has a chance to react. If you carry reflective warning triangles or emergency flares, place them behind your vehicle if it's safe to do so.

Giving other drivers plenty of warning helps reduce the chances of another accident.

3. Stay Inside the Vehicle When It Makes Sense

People often assume they should get out of the car immediately. That's not always the safest choice. If you're on a busy highway and your vehicle is safely off the road, staying inside with your seatbelt fastened is often the better option until roadside assistance arrives.

Walking near fast-moving traffic can expose you to unnecessary danger. Of course, if you smell fuel, see smoke, or believe there's an immediate fire risk, move to a safe location well away from the vehicle. Every situation is different, so use good judgment.

4. Resist the Urge to Diagnose the Problem

It's natural to wonder what went wrong. You might even be tempted to pop the hood and start looking around. Unless you can do so safely and you're familiar with the vehicle, it's usually better to wait. Standing beside your car while traffic passes just a few feet away isn't worth the risk. Once the vehicle reaches an auto repair shop in Dunwoody, GA, technicians can safely determine what caused the breakdown. Right now, your job is simply to stay safe!

5. Make Note of What Happened

While you're waiting, think back to what you noticed before the vehicle stopped.

• Did the temperature gauge rise?
• Was there a warning light?
• Did you hear a grinding noise, a clunk, or repeated clicking?
• Did the engine lose power gradually or shut off all at once?

Those details can be surprisingly helpful when explaining the problem later. The more information you can provide, the easier it may be for the technician to begin diagnosing the issue.

Getting Home Safely Is the First Victory

At Wrights Car Care, we know that vehicle problems are frustrating, but your safety should always come before the repair itself. Once you're in a safe location, an experienced technician can determine what caused the breakdown and recommend the right solution.

If your vehicle has been showing warning signs lately, don't wait for the next roadside emergency. Scheduling professional auto repair before a minor issue becomes a major breakdown can save you time, stress, and unexpected inconvenience. And if you do find yourself stranded, remember that getting everyone home safely is always more important than getting the car back on the road.