We have all either seen the situation or been in it ourselves —dreadfully stranded on the side of the road, kicking dirt because your car just broke down, asking yourself, "What do I do now?"
Whether you are traveling home or taking a casual drive around town, this can happen to you anytime, anywhere. We can't prevent the future, but what we can do is possibly prevent a serious injury.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 4,000 pedestrians were killed in 2009 due to automobile accidents.
It can be quite intimidating to get out of your car on the side of the highway while cars pass you at an excess of 65 mph.
According to the Pep Boys website, these are some helpful tips to follow if your vehicle breaks down.
1. If your car breaks down on a busy highway, try to get it as far away from traffic as possible. If there is an emergency lane, pull into it. If there is a safe grassy area next to the lane, pull into it.
2. If you experience a flat and there's no safe place to pull over, drive on the rim until you get to a safe area. It's worth sacrificing a rim if you can save your life!
3. Always carry warning devices, such as flares and triangles, with you. Place these a good distance from the vehicle, which is often further away than you might think. Although hazard lights are effective, drivers sometimes confuse them with running lights and steer onto the emergency lane.
4. If you can't put the car in a safe area, move away from the car.
5. When you are outside of your car on the highway, be as visible as possible. If you don't have a reflective vest, put on the lightest piece of clothing available and carry a flashlight at night.
6. If someone stops to offer you help, stay in your car with the doors locked, crack your window and ask them to call for help.
7. The same rules apply if you've been in an accident. Be sure not to move the vehicles until the police arrive, put out warning markers and get away from the vehicles.
There are a few items a driver can keep in his or her car in case of a emergency. These items include jumper cables, a set of various basic tools, water, antifreeze, batteries and a first aid kit.
Being stranded with a broken down car can be pretty upsetting, but by following these simple steps you can possibly prevent another car from injuring you or your car.
Posts in Gatormotive appear on Tuesdays.
