Car problems can come at any time of day. If you tend to drive at night, it can be terrifying to have your car breaks down in the middle of the road at night. All that you can do is to wait for the roadside assistance service you called. However, you have to make sure that you call not just any towing or roadside assistance service provider. They have to offer the 24-hour roadside assistance so you’ll be sure that they will come to help you any time of day, or night it is.
Things To Do To Wait For Roadside Assistance Safely
It is understandable to feel terrified when your car breaks down at night. Just imagine getting stuck on the road in the dark. It can be a very uncomfortable feeling. Waiting for roadside assistance at night can feel like an eternity. To help you feel a little safer, here a few of our tips:
Park At The Right Shoulder Of The Road
If you can still manage to drive or direct your vehicle, you should park it over the right shoulder of the road. Go to the far right as possible and park there. This is the safest area where you can keep your vehicle because it is clear of any oncoming traffic. Being away from traffic helps prevent other vehicles from clashing with your car. Due to the limited visibility at night, it is possible that other drivers won’t see you immediately or quickly act to dodge your vehicle if you stay in the middle of the road.
Stay Inside The Car
No matter how brave you feel you are, you must stay inside your car except when it is already smoking or overheated. Make sure you keep your seat-belt fastened so that in case someone accidentally bumps into your vehicle, you’d likely be safer. Whether it is the middle of day or night, a car is certainly more visible than a person standing on the road. Make it safer for you and other people on the road by staying inside your car.
Keep your doors locked at all times and also close your windows. It can be tempting to go out, but staying inside especially at night is the best thing to do. Some unlawful people might find you vulnerable in your situation and can take advantage of it. Lessen that risk by keeping the windows and doors locked while waiting for the roadside assistance.
Do not open for anyone else except for the police, highway patrol or the roadside assistance company you called. If you are unsure about who they are, it is best to ask for identification. You may not personally know the people from the roadside assistance service you called but they should be able to provide their credentials. Always ask for them.
Keep Away From Traffic
In case you really need to exit the vehicle, it is best for you to go through the passenger door. It can be a bit more challenging to do so when your in the driver seat but it is much safer than opening the door on the driver’s side.
Keep Your Car Visible
There are different ways to keep your car visible. Take advantage of the dark surroundings by simply using your lights. You should already have switched on your hazard lights as you go and park to the right shoulder. Keep them on until help arrives.
If you have other tools to help your car be more visible, you can also use them. Such tools would include a reflective or warning triangle, other warning lights or flares. However, if you are to leave your car to position them, remember the previous tip of using the passenger side door.
Calm Yourself Down
If you’ve already called someone for help, they are likely on their way and there is nothing else to do but wait. Try to calm yourself down and prevent yourself from panicking. It is understandable that you could be terrified of the situation but allowing your fear to consume you will lead you to make decisions that you could regret.
You can keep yourself busy and prevent further panicking by organizing your personal belongings as well as your paperwork. If you fix your belongings in advance, you are less likely to leave any while your car spends the night in the repair shop. Even if you don’t have a bag to place all of them, you can simply keep them together. Some towing and roadside assistance companies can provide you with a bag where you can place your things.
Gathering the paperwork required also helps you prepare when the help has finally come. They will need your insurance and registration. Be sure to have them so that the insurance company can handle the cost of the repairs or towing.
If you need prompt, affordable night-time roadside service in Minneapolis, St Paul, give Timber Towing And Recovery A Call…
