Roadside Safety Tips

Use these roadside safety tips for when you have to handle a roadside emergency.

From flat tires to accidents, a roadside emergency can happen to anyone. Knowing what to do when you’re stuck on the side of the road is crucial for staying safe and out of harm’s way. With the help of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can find out some simple roadside safety tips for when your car breaks down.

1. Get Off the Road & Move to Safety

Before anything else, it’s essential to get your vehicle off the road. If possible, pull over in an emergency lane, rest stop, exit, parking lot or even a wide shoulder. Even if getting off the road means destroying your flat tire, your safety is worth it. Don’t stop in the middle of traffic or pull over in a blind spot for other motorists.

2. Don’t Leave Your Vehicle

Don’t get out of your vehicle until you’re off the road. If you can’t pull your car over, stay in your vehicle and call for help. Getting out of the vehicle only puts you more in harm’s way.

3. Alert Other Drivers

Let other drivers know there is an emergency, and make yourself and your vehicle highly visible. Turn on your emergency flashers. Set up road triangles or emergency flares, starting at 10 feet behind your vehicle. Place the second one 30-60 feet behind your vehicle, with the last one 150 feet away. Remember to set them up on the shoulder, and not in traffic’s way. You’ll also want to raise the hood of your vehicle to alert other drivers that there’s a car emergency.

4.  Call for Help

You’ll want to call roadside assistance. If you’re safely out of traffic, call for help from inside your vehicle. When you’re in your vehicle waiting for help, lock the doors and keep the windows almost closed as a safety precaution.

5. Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Car

Every vehicle should be equipped with a car emergency kit. The basics include road triangles or road flares, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first aid kit. Get a more in-depth look at making your own kit with our article, “Car Emergency Kit Must Haves.”

Helping you stay safe on the road is important to us. That’s why at Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we offer all the automotive and tire services you need to get back on the road. For more tips on staying safe on the road, visit our Automotive blog.