🦺 SAFETY GUIDE
What to Do While You’re Waiting for a Tow
A breakdown is stressful enough without adding unnecessary risk. Here’s what actually keeps you safer while you wait — whether you’re on I-90 or somewhere quieter.
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If You’re on a Highway Shoulder
A few things that make a real difference at highway speeds:
- Pull as far off the road as physically possible — Even a few extra feet matters at highway speeds.
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately — And keep them on the entire time you’re stopped.
- Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened — This surprises people, but standing outside near a highway shoulder is often more dangerous than staying seated — vehicles have struck people standing next to stopped cars.
- If you must exit the vehicle — For safety reasons, like smoke or fire risk — move well away from the roadway and traffic, on the side away from moving vehicles if possible.
If You’re on a Rural Road
Rural shoulders behave differently than highway ones:
- Move as far off the road as the shoulder allows — Keeping in mind rural shoulders are often narrower or softer than highway ones.
- Turn on hazards — And if it’s dark, consider using a phone flashlight or emergency triangle if you have one, since rural roads often have less ambient lighting than the city.
- Be aware of reduced visibility conditions specific to this area — Blowing dust in summer and ice in winter both reduce how quickly other drivers can see and react to a stopped vehicle.
If Visibility Suddenly Drops (Dust, Weather)
Three steps that keep you safer when conditions turn:
- Don’t panic-brake — Slow down gradually.
- Turn off headlights and use hazards instead — Once stopped, so other drivers aren’t confused following your taillights off the road.
- Pull off as far as safely possible and stop completely — Staying inside with your seatbelt on until conditions improve.
While You Wait
A few things worth doing once you’ve stopped:
- Keep your phone charged and visible — So we can reach you.
- Note your surroundings — An exit number, mile marker, or landmark — in case you need to describe your location again.
- Lock your doors — If you’re in an unfamiliar or isolated area and don’t personally know who’s approaching, until you’ve confirmed it’s your tow truck.
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Stranded and not sure what to do next? Call +1 (509) 356-2442 — we’ll walk you through it while help is on the way.
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