It’s every driver’s nightmare—your car broke down on the highway at night, and now you need to figure out what to do next. The road is dark, cars are flying by, and you’re feeling a mix of frustration and worry. While nighttime breakdowns can be stressful, knowing the right steps to take will keep you safe and help you get the assistance you need. Here are essential tips to follow if your car broke down on the highway at night.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess Your Surroundings After Your Car Broke Down
First, stay calm and focused. Panic can lead to poor decisions. Take a deep breath and assess your situation.
- Check Your Surroundings: Is there a safe place to pull over? Aim for the right shoulder and stay as far from the lane as possible.
- Stay Visible: Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that your car is disabled. Learn more about effective signaling from the National Safety Council Emergency Preparedness Guide.
- Use Your Mirrors: Be aware of approaching traffic as you maneuver your vehicle to safety.
Step 2: How to Signal for Help After Your Car Broke Down
Once safely parked, you’ll want to make it obvious that you need assistance.
- Raise the Hood: This is a universal sign that your car broke down and signals that you require help.
- Use Reflective Triangles or Flares: Place them 10 feet and 100 feet behind your vehicle to give approaching drivers plenty of warning.
- Stay Inside Your Vehicle: If the shoulder is narrow or traffic is heavy, it’s safest to stay inside your car with the seatbelt fastened.
Step 3: Call for Roadside Assistance
Whether it’s a flat tire, engine failure, or another issue, calling for help is your next step.
- Contact a Professional Service: Tow Pro offers 24/7 emergency roadside assistance. Save this number in your phone for emergencies 615-256-8697, or contact Tow Pro for immediate help.
- Provide Your Exact Location: Use GPS or highway mile markers to give clear information.
- Describe the Issue: Be specific about the problem so the assistance team knows what to expect.
Step 4: Stay Safe While Waiting
While you wait for help, prioritize your safety.
- Keep Doors Locked: Stay inside the car with your seatbelt on and doors locked.
- Use Your Phone Wisely: Keep your phone accessible and conserve battery in case of emergency calls.
- Be Cautious of Strangers: While some offers of help may be genuine, it’s safest to wait for professional assistance. For insights into safe roadside practices, refer to Consumer Reports on Roadside Assistance Plans.
Step 5: Be Prepared for Next Time
You can’t always prevent a breakdown, but you can be prepared:
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like a flashlight, batteries, blanket, water, and snacks.
- Keep a Portable Charger: Ensure your phone stays powered in emergencies.
- Schedule Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Check your tires, battery, and fluid levels to reduce the risk of breakdowns.
- Save Tow Pro’s Contact Info: Being prepared ensures you’ll have quick assistance when you need it most.
FAQ: Nighttime Breakdowns
What should I do if I can’t pull over completely off the road?
Turn on your hazard lights, stay inside the vehicle, and contact Tow Pro for immediate help. Avoid exiting the car in heavy traffic.
How can I make my car more visible to other drivers at night?
Use hazard lights, place reflective triangles behind your vehicle, and keep the interior dome light on for extra visibility.
Is it safe to accept help from strangers?
While many strangers are well-meaning, it’s best to wait for professional help like Tow Pro to avoid potential safety risks.
What should I do after my car broke down at night on the highway?
Stay calm, stay visible, and stay inside your car until help arrives.