Experts recommend avoiding stopping your car on the highway at all costs, even if something goes wrong with your car such as a flat tire.
Police officers recommend driving off the highway if you can. If it isn’t possible, they say to pull as far as you can onto the right shoulder, as far away from oncoming traffic as you can get.
“It’s hard to imagine and comprehend how fast those cars are going until you’re actually standing there hearing them,” said a spokesman for the Kansas Highway Patrol in Topeka.
The following are a few tips about what to do if your vehicle breaks down.
-Look around yourself, and take note. You should be able to accurately describe where you are if you end up needing roadside assistance.
-Don’t get out of the car. After pulling over, stay in your car and call for help. Keep your seat belt on. If children are with you, make sure they keep their seat belts on as well.
-Get a car charger. You need one to communicate with roadside assistance.
-Put your emergency flashers on to let other drivers know where you are.
-Even if someone stops to help, Highway Patrol recommends you not get out of the car when approached by a stranger. In some situations, such as being in an isolated area, you have to accept help from a stranger. Be cautious in these cases, and trust your instincts.
As a Los Angeles car accident attorney, I know that the best way to avoid an accident is prevention. Make sure you routinely get your vehicle checked out and that it’s properly maintained. Know the route you’re taking and check for weather and road conditions. As a personal injury lawyer, I know that taking preventative measures can help you avoid a serious situation.