Being stuck on the side of the road is a scary situation. Those of us who have never been in it hope we never have to. Still it makes sense to be prepared as it can happen to anyone for numerous amounts of reasons. That means having the right equipment such as working reflector lights, a flashlight, safety cones and other basic tools. Here are a few tips that will come in handy should you ever find yourself in such a scenario:
- Stay Far Away From The Road – Too often many people pull over barely on the shoulder lane, which not only backs up traffic but can also be extremely dangerous. Sometimes the shoulder is very narrow (if there is one at all), but many times there is plenty of space to get some separation. If there is any room available away from the road, use it. Even if you have to park on grass – as long as you’re not getting stuck or going down to a ditch, it will make you feel a lot safer and make towing and repairs much easier.
- Know Your Breakdown Policy – Every trucking company has different breakdown policies. Even if it’s a simple fix, follow their breakdown policy in order to ensure you don’t run into any additional problems.
- Use Emergency Procedures – Always use standard emergency protocol, such as turning on your hazard lights and opening the hood of your truck to alert others of a mechanical issue. Avoid doing any extensive repair work on the side of the road.
- Have Someone To Call – While some problems you may be able to fix yourself on the side of the road, it’s always important to have a professional mechanic you can call at any time. J&M Truck and Trailer Repair offers 24/7 roadside assistance – we will make sure you and your truck are safe and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.