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How to Handle a Car Breakdown On the Highway

When your vehicle breaks down on a major highway, it puts you and other drivers in danger. It’s easy to get anxious as vehicles, SUVs, and semis speed past. So, if your vehicle breaks down on the highway, what should you do?

By following the recommendations we outline below, you can be prepared for breakdowns before they occur, helping reduce tension and remain calm.

It is always preferable to do preventative maintenance and repairs before anything occurs. However, things happen, even with proper maintenance, particularly with today’s sophisticated car technology. Modern automobiles are often prone to difficult-to-repair technological issues. For example, keyless starting may deplete batteries quicker, and run-flat tires, which are used in some vehicles instead of a spare, aren’t always reliable.

Move to the Shoulder As Soon As It’s Safe

Move your car as far as possible away from the traffic lanes and make a note of your location so that police or other emergency personnel can find you.

If you can drive over to the side of the road, exit the vehicle via the passenger side and move a sizable distance away, likely behind a guardrail if possible. Whether it’s a collision ahead or a vehicle breakdown on the side of the road, many approaching cars prefer to veer toward whatever they’re looking at. You should always try to keep all these things in mind.

After that, draw attention to yourself and your car. You want to be noticed as soon as possible from a long distance, so that moving cars are aware of you. Set up reflective triangles or flares, turn on your hazards, put on a reflective vest, wave a flashlight, and turn on your hazard lights. Anything you can do

If you are unable to move the car from the lane and cannot leave the car, call 911, put on your hazard lights, and fasten your seatbelt.

Some Tips to Be Prepared for a Breakdown

Despite advancements in automotive technology, you’re sure to experience a breakdown while driving. It may be a tire blowout, your car simply dying or debris in the middle of the road. You should prepare for situations like this to keep yourself safe. First aid kits or emergency kits are readily available at most stores and are easy to store away in your car for any emergency, if it happens.

In your vehicle, these are items you want to keep handy:

– Mobile Phone and ability to charge it

– Medication (if needed)

– Emergency phone numbers

– Flashlight and batteries

– Water and food

– Jumper cables

– Flares and/or reflectors

– Coolant

– Safety blanket

– Fire extinguisher

– Tire jack

– Wrenches for changing your tires

– First-aid kit

– Umbrella

– Tools

Contact the Police or Help

When you’re out of danger, evaluate the situation and seek assistance, whether you phone the police or a roadside assistance program you use. This is important if you’re stuck from a breakdown, flat tire or your car is dead. They can help you.

You may also relieve tension by having a list of emergency phone numbers on hand so you don’t have to search for them. These include family members, law enforcement, and the 800 number for roadside help. Keep them on your phone and on a piece of paper with your insurance card and registration.

When your vehicle breaks down on the highway, being cool, moving away from traffic if feasible, and being prepared for an emergency may all help you remain safe.

These same tips can help you in the case of a car accident as well. Your safety should be your main priority. After this, thinking about your legal options should be next. The way to do this is to contact an attorney. Maybe the accident takes place in Paterson, New Jersey and you do not know anyone in that area. Reach out to an accident lawyer Paterson NJ to give you advice and possibly hire them to help you through the entire process.

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