Even with regular car maintenance, breakdowns can happen on the road. Trying to drive a malfunctioning car could make the issue worse and increase the likelihood of an accident, which is why it’s best to pull over and call roadside assistance for help. Below is a brief guide to what you should and shouldn’t do while waiting for a tow truck to arrive.  

Do:

Stay in the car. 

You might be tempted to stand outside to flag down roadside assistance as they approach. Doing so is dangerous, as you could get clipped by oncoming traffic. To stay out of harm’s way, pull the car over to the shoulder and wait inside until help arrives. 

Turn on hazard lights.

After you pull the car over to the side of the road, put down flares or turn on the hazard lights. Because people can see the signals from long distances, fellow motorists will have time to slow down or switch lanes when approaching your vehicle to avoid a collision. 

Don’t:

Get into a stranger’s car. 

You could be an easy target when you’re stranded on the side of the road. To avoid potentially dangerous situations, never accept rides from strangers. As an added safety precaution, lock the doors while you wait for roadside assistance to arrive. 

Forget to get the tow truck license plate number & driver’s name. 

When you call the towing service for assistance, ask for this information. When they arrive, verify the details before letting them tend to your vehicle. This way, you’ll know that the company you hired is legitimate. 

If your car breaks in Franklinville, NY, or in the surrounding areas of Cattaraugus County, the professionals at The Hole Works are available to help. Beyond offering roadside assistance and towing solutions, they also sell power tools and car parts to restore vehicle safety and handling. To learn more about the towing services available, call (716) 676-3998. Visit the towing company and auto parts store online to discover how their AAA services come in handy during emergencies.