Going on a long car journey can be stressful enough. There are all those things to remember to pack. Children may become fractious and bored during the journey. A wrong turning or two may occur. The heavens may open, and it could become hard to see the road through the rain.
Driving a car can be like Russian Roulette too because you never know when it’s going to go wrong. If it does happen to someone, particularly when they are not near home, there are some key things to think about and do. We’ll look at these in turn.
Consider Emergency Recovery Services
If help is not at hand and no travel insurance is in place, there are fortunately still options. The internet features many breakdown recovery companies.
Maryland, USA was once reported to have the highest rates of deadly impaired driving accidents during brunch hours. The specialists at https://geyerstowing.com/ say the public are looking for recovery services that are available 24/7. They may need their car to be recovered from a flip position or lifted from a ditch. Many of these companies have different trucks to manage different sized vehicles, so they can safely tow them away.
Think About Insurance
Some people have breakdown cover within their annual car insurance policy. Others have a separate cover with a different company. It is also possible to insure cars for one specific journey.
When this is in place car occupants can call a helpline, and often gain assistance within an hour. They may have their car fixed (if it was simple to do) or even be taken to their desired destination. Some policies provide emergency accommodation when this is required.
Make Safety a Priority
Get the car off the road as soon as possible and put the hazard lights on. Should the engine be overheated it is essential to be a safe distance away, as petrol is highly combustible.
If it is hot weather, all family members and pets should wait outside the car. Find a shady area to sit down and wait.
Hopefully, there are emergency supplies in the car. The boot may contain the basic tools for changing tires etc. It will be beneficial if food and drinks have been bought for the journey, in case there is an extended waiting time.
Contact a close friend by phone to let them know what has happened. Whilst they may not be near enough to help, it’s important someone knows where you are located.
Call a Mobile Mechanic
In some locations, it is possible to call a nearby garage for help. If you can’t fix the car, they may be able to! It could be something relatively easy like a battery issue, in which case a person can be quickly back on the road.
Use the car’s GPS system to narrow down the location of the broken down car, so they can find you easily.
Hopefully, matters can be sorted swiftly. Always check such things as the tire pressure and oil before long journeys, and have the vehicle regularly serviced. It will be wise to learn from this event so that you are best placed should it happen again in the future.
