Car Breakdown Safety
If you are in an accident or your car breaks down, safety should be your first
concern. Getting out of the car at a busy intersection or on a highway to change
a tire or check damage from a fender bender is probably one of the worst things
you can do. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) recommends the following
precautions when your car breaks down:
- Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine the damage on
a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe place before getting out. If you've
been involved in an accident, motion the other driver to pull up to a safe
spot ahead.
- If you can’t drive the vehicle, it may be safer to stay in the vehicle
and wait for help or use a cell phone to summon help. Under most circumstances
standing outside the vehicle in the flow of traffic is a bad idea.
- Carry flares or triangles to use to mark your location once you get to
the side of the road. Marking your vehicle’s location to give other
drivers advance warning can be critical. Remember to put on your hazard lights!
- In the case of a blowout or a flat tire, move the vehicle to a safer place
before attempting a repair—even if it means destroying the wheel getting
there. The cost of a tire, rim or wheel is minor compared to endangering your
safety.