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Night Time Breakdown – Stay Safe While Waiting In The Dark

by | Jan 14, 2018 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Breaking down on the side of the road is always annoying, and breaking down in the middle of the night can increase that stress. The darkness reduces visibility which can make breaking down at night dangerous. Here are some precautions you can take to make your time on the side of the road much safer.

HAZARD LIGHTS
When experiencing car problems drivers typically begin to slow down. At night it’s more difficult for other drivers to notice your speed and if you are slowing down. For this reason, it is essential that you turn on your hazard lights the moment you notice anything strange about the way your car is operating. Hazard lights act as a warning sign and notify other drivers that you aren’t moving at a typical speed and should be approached with caution.

PULL OFF THE ROAD
When you experience a breakdown make sure you pull as far off the road as possible. Vehicles on the shoulder of the road are in danger of getting hit, especially at night. By pulling completely off the road, you reduce this risk and increase your level of safety.

MARK YOUR LOCATION
It can be hard to pinpoint your exact location at night as nearby landmarks aren’t visible. If you have a phone you can use the Maps App to pinpoint your exact location.
Modern technology allows us to ‘drop a pin’ on a GPS so you can be found at your exact location. The precise mile marker where you are located can be determined when you call a tow truck company, the authorities, or AAA.

CALL FOR HELP
Calling the Police isn’t always necessary in the event of an accident, however if you don’t feel safe you might still want to call 911 to alert them of your situation.
It’s also good to have the number of your roadside assistance company stored in your phone, or in the glovebox of your car. Once you’ve pulled of the road alert roadside assistance.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
If possible stay inside your car with your hazards on. If you need to get out be careful of your surroundings. If you’re on a main road it’s much safer to get out on the passengers side rather than the drivers side. Use your phone as a torch to check the ground before stepping out.