In modern times, you might think having a roadside emergency would be easy to handle. Unfortunately, there is always the risk of running into problems without a gas station nearby or your car stopping on a busy highway. Investing in tools and services will give you the best chance at handling emergencies quickly.

Invest In A Tool Kit

Having an emergency tool kit and knowing how to use the items is one of the best investments for your safety. Most tool kits have items such as jumper cables, flares, and a lug nut wrench, which will help you address the most common problems you might face. Simply keep the kit in your trunk with your spare tire for easy access. Fortunately, in the age of YouTube, you can usually find instructional videos on how to use each item in your tool kit. At minimum, you should know how to use the flares in case your car breaks down at night. The light from the flares, in addition to having your hazard lights on, can help emergency personnel see you and minimize the chances of an inattentive driver not noticing that you are stopped.

Purchase Roadside Assistance

In some cases, your auto insurance or membership to a warehouse club might come with minimal roadside assistance; otherwise, you will need to purchase a plan separately. Whenever possible, it is best to purchase a premium plan through your provider so that you are covered for a variety of emergencies. Two types of situations you will want covered are fuel delivery and lockout services, since these are among the most common problems people experience. You will want basic mechanical issues, such as starting a battery or changing a flat tire, to be covered as well. Lastly, your membership should cover towing. Depending on the provider and the level of service, you may be limited on how far you can be towed. If you frequently travel across the state or country by car, having a plan that will allow your vehicle to be towed hundreds of miles is certainly in your best interest. For more information, talk to companies such as Parkway Wrecker Service.

Know Basic Safety Measures

Basic safety measures can protect you and any passengers from injury in the event your car stops working, especially on the road. For example, it is important to keep all of your doors locked. If anyone approaches your car that appears to be a police officer or personnel from your roadside assistance service, roll down your window slightly and ask for identification. A kind passerby might be willing to help, but—to err on the side of caution—they should do so without you unlocking the door or rolling down the window too far. If you have pulled over to the shoulder of the road, stay inside your car. When you need to exit the vehicle, exit out the side that is further away from the street. In the event that your vehicle stops in the middle of the highway and you cannot make it to the shoulder, it is best to remain inside the vehicle, turn your hazard lights on, and promptly call the police.

Preparing for any possible roadside issue will give you the tools necessary to reduce the chance of injury and receive help quickly. Even in modern times, conventional wisdom regarding driving safety remains the best advice.

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