When your car breaks down, you are already facing an unnerving experience. This could be worse if you are alone or the breakdown occurs late at night. Your wait for towing service in Williston, ND will seem twice as long as you anxiously hope to leave the side of the road sooner rather than later. Here are six tips that will help you feel safer as you wait:
- Pull over: When your car starts to show troublesome signs, move to the shoulder quickly. It is unlikely that you carry flares or signs, so you need to get out of the flow of traffic. Even if the shoulder is small and you feel like your car sticks out into the road, you are still in a safer place than if you stay in a lane. Turn on your hazard lights and make it easier for drivers to avoid you.
- Stay in your car: Many people leave their cars so they can see the tow truck, or simply because they want fresh air. However, this can be a dangerous decision. Your car is bigger and more visible, making it easier for motorists to avoid hitting you. Pedestrians are more vulnerable. Even if someone hits your car, you are less likely to get hurt than if someone hits you directly. Keep your seatbelt on, too, just for an extra measure of safety.
- Avoid talking to strangers: Keep your doors locked as you wait. If someone approaches your vehicle, roll down the windows only enough so you can hear each other. Never open the door or accept rides from anyone other than the tow truck driver or someone you know.
- Get vital information: When you call for towing services, get the driver’s name and the truck’s license plate number. Verify this information with the driver before leaving your car. There are criminals who pose as tow truck drivers looking for ready victims in disabled vehicles. Drivers will understand why you ask for this information, so don’t hesitate to be safe rather than sorry.
- Remove your possessions: While waiting, gather items you need to take with you. Make sure you take any valuables, as you do not know how long your car may wait outside a shop. Besides the obvious items like tablets and laptop computers, also take any objects that might attract a car prowler, like phone cords or other evidence of high technology.
- Wait in the truck: Once the driver arrives, wait inside the tow truck while your car is being prepared. Not only is it best to stay out of the driver’s way, but you will also be protected from passing motorists and inclement weather. You can sign paperwork after the driver returns to the truck.
Chaney Total Auto & Exhaust Repair offers towing service in Williston, ND among its many offerings to car owners. In order to keep safe in case of a breakdown, save our number in your phone’s contact list so we can rescue you as soon as possible.