A car breaking down in the middle of nowhere is almost always a good premise for a horror movie. The mere fact that you’re far from any help can make it a pretty inconvenient experience, to say the least. While some people really know their engines, it may not be enough to start the car again in certain cases. That’s why we’ve made a list of critical actions you can take if you find yourself stuck in this situation.
Evaluate Your Surroundings
The very first basic rule that’s often applied to many emergency situations is to thoroughly assess your environment or surroundings. The last thing you want is to panic and become pretty much unable to take any logical action when the need arises. Start by taking a deep breath and looking around you slowly. If there are other cars on the road, you might be fortunate enough to receive the help of a good-hearted driver. If no good ol’ fashioned Samaritan help appears, start looking for landmarks and markers that can help you know where you are. The advice of most public safety institutions is to try to get the park on the shoulder of the road and turn on its flashers, which should help you avoid any dangerous mishaps.
Call a Towing Service
Before you start thinking about how you’re going to survive the cold winter with only a few berries that you’ve foraged from a nearby forest, check to see if you have a signal on your phone. In states with long interstate roads like Maryland, it’s easy to find yourself lost, especially when you take into account unpopulated regions. As mentioned by the towing professionals of Geyers Towing, you must keep a portable phone charger in your car to keep your phone on at all times. Try to reach out to any form of road assistance service like a tow truck service. Depending on your location, help may arrive in less than 30 minutes or take an hour or two. If you’re unable to get your hands on a service number, calling the police is a good alternative. Try to make things easier for those coming to get you by providing them with as much information as needed about your location.
Try to Stay in the Car
While the instinct of most people who face a break-down situation is to wait outside the car, it’s not really recommended. Even if you are by the shoulder of a road, it doesn’t mean that oncoming traffic can’t hurt you. It’s recommended to face away from traffic as much as possible if you urgently need to get out. Staying with your car is the best way to ensure that your valuables are protected and that you’re sheltered from any sudden weather changes. Avoid going on treks to find the nearest beacon of civilization, especially in bad weather. If you can see a place close by, write down your information and number then leave it on the dashboard.
If you’re used to going on road trips and traveling, you’re likely to experience this situation at some point in your life. The last thing you want is to feel stranded and helpless on a road that you can barely recognize. It’s always better to be safe than sorry by ensuring that your car is routinely checked, but if it’s too late for that, follow the above instructions, and you will be just fine.
