 As one of many tow trucks responding to the 900+ accidents in Minnesota this past weekend, I saw many people putting their lives in danger unnecessarily. .For example, one woman spun out on 494 and ended up in the middle lane. She got out of her car and put her hood up. Then she stood outside, in front of her car, in the middle lane of 494 while waiting for a tow truck. Cars were going by on either side of her.
If her car spun out it stands to reason that other cars could spin out in that same area -- and pin this woman between her car and another. Thankfully that isn't what happened. But it is because I saw this woman standing in the middle of 494 that I felt compelled to share these tips on WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT FOR THE TOW TRUCK if you break down on a highway. If your car is drive-able, move over to the shoulder. Whether you move over to the shoulder or are stopped in an active lane of traffic, turn on your hazard lights (aka "flashers") to warn other drivers that you are there. If it is dark, it's also advisable to turn on your headlights and the interior lights to be even more visible to others. Stay in your car and keep your seatbelt as a safety precaution in the event another car crashes into you. During the winter, keep the doors and windows closed to retain the heat in your car as best as possible. "If you must exit your car, only do so when traffic is clear and wait well away from the highway, ahead of your car and behind guardrails, if they’re present," says the Canadian Automobile Association. The only time we would suggest you get out of your car on the highway is if it is on fire. And we agree with the CAA; climb over the guardrail, so that you have the protection of the guardrail if another car slides out and skids toward you. More snow is forecast for this coming Friday. If you find yourself in an accident or broken down on a highway, keep these tips front of mind. Nothing is more important than your safety.
3 Comments
That's a good tip to move over to the shoulder of the highway and turn your hazards on. It can be really foggy in the northeast where I live so I know how low visibility can be on the highway. I'm planning on a road trip going down the coast this summer so I'll have to keep your advice to turn your headlights on for even more visibility at night in mind. 8/3/2018 10:20:47 pm
I liked it when you said that when the car needs a tow, as long as it is driveable, it needs to be steered to the side of the road. It was also very nice when you said that it is important to turn the warning light on, especially if it is dark. I haven't experienced needing a tow yet, but I am researching the things I need to do. After all, staying on the road can expose the car to some dangers that will damage it a lot more. Thanks! 8/9/2018 09:36:46 pm
I really liked it when you said that regardless of the position of the vehicle, the driver should make sure that their hazard lights are on while waiting for a tow so that others know they are there. That is one of the things that I will remember as I know that my friend forgot the hazard lights back then, and it didn't end very well. Because of this, I know it's not enough to have a towing company in the contacts, the person also needs to be mindful while in the car. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorTow truck driver with a big heart but few words. Archives
February 2017
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