What To Do When Your Car Breaks Down On The Highway

Step 1: Don t Panic — Stay Calm

The moment you feel something is wrong with your vehicle, take a deep breath. Panicking leads to poor decisions. Your first priority is the safety of yourself and other road users.

Step 2: Steer To The Right Shoulder Immediately

Signal immediately and gradually steer your vehicle to the right shoulder of the road. Never stop in a travel lane — this is extremely dangerous.

Step 3: Turn On Your Hazard Lights

Activate your four-way hazard flashers before you have even fully stopped. It alerts approaching drivers that you are a stationary obstacle on or near the road.

Step 4: Stay Inside Your Vehicle

Studies consistently show that staying inside your vehicle on a freeway is safer than standing outside. Keep your seatbelt fastened while you wait.

Step 5: Call For Help Immediately

Call 911 if there is any injury. Otherwise call a certified towing service. Tow-Tow operators dispatch in under 2 minutes and arrive in an average of 28 minutes — available 24/7 nationwide.

What NOT To Do

• Never push your vehicle with the door open
• Do not attempt to change a tire in a travel lane
• Never flag down passing strangers
• Do not leave your vehicle unattended without calling for help

Build Your Emergency Kit

• 3 reflective safety triangles
• Hi-visibility safety vest
• Portable jump starter
• Spare tire with lug wrench and jack
• Flashlight with batteries
• Portable phone charger

The first 90 seconds after a breakdown determine whether it stays a minor inconvenience or becomes a serious accident.