Individuals and businesses spend 15 million dollars getting towed every year domestically. As more cars continue to flood America’s roads, we estimate that that number will continue crawling upwards.
If you drive, every day that you get behind the wheel of your car, there’s a chance that your vehicle will fail you and that you’ll need to call for car towing. When this happens, especially for the first time, you may be unsure how to navigate the time between when you put in the call for help and when that help arrives.
In this post, we walk you through steps that you can take to maximize your situation as you await assistance.
1. Get Your ID and Other Documents Ready
The first thing that a car towing representative is going to ask you for is your drivers’ license. Be sure to have it ready the moment that they arrive so you can get your downed vehicle off of the road as quickly as possible.
In addition to your license, if you or your company has tow truck insurance, make sure that you have documentation that proves your policy so your tow bill gets sent to the appropriate place.
2. Pull to the Side of the Road, If Possible
Before you call a car towing company, you’ll want to get your car as far to the side of the road as possible. In the time that you’re waiting for your tow company to arrive, double-check that you’re as far over as you can be. If you can inch further out of oncoming traffic’s way, make the effort.
3. Turn on Your Hazard Lights
If you haven’t already, check to make sure that your hazard lights are flashing while your car is downed. Hazard lights not only keep your car illuminated at night but will let drivers know, during all times of the day, that your vehicle is incapable of moving.
After a time, your hazard lights may go out. Pay attention to when that happens so you can take appropriate action (cycle your engine to get your lights back on, for example).
4. Gather Your Important Belongings
You don’t want your personal phone, company blackberry or anything else to go missing when your car is towed. The best way to avoid that is to gather all of your valuables and keep them on your person rather than leaving them strewn in your vehicle.
5. Put Yourself in the Safest Possible Situation
Maximizing your safety is key when waiting for a car towing company. If you feel that your safest bet is to remain in your vehicle until help comes, stay put. If you feel that you need to get away from your car because impact is likely, go.
There’s no perfect way to manage a downed car situation given all of the variables. Do your best and forget the rest.
What You Do When Waiting for Car Towing Can Save Your Life
Taking simple actions like checking your hazard lights while you’re waiting for car towing services could save your life. With that said, do everything that you can to get the most out of a downed car situation.
If you do, you’ll increase your chances of walking away unscathed.
Whether you’re operating a vehicle or need to know which electronics are best for your business, if you’re looking for tips on how to get the most out of your day to day life, our blog has you covered.
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