A car breakdown is an unfortunately common experience for drivers. Waiting for a tow truck on the side of the road isn't just inconvenient and annoying, it can be dangerous with other vehicles whizzing past. Here are some tips on staying safe until the tow truck arrives.

How to Stay Safe After Calling a Tow Truck

1. Move Off the Road

The first and most important thing to do is move your car off the road if you are able to do so. Pulling off into a parking area or onto a shoulder will significantly decrease the risk of an accident. If the car remains in the middle of a road, another vehicle may hit it, causing injuries and damage. If the car cannot move at all, exit it using caution and stand out of the way of traffic.

2. Enhance the Car's Visibility

Whether you can move your car or not, you want to do everything you can to make it more visible to other vehicles, especially at night. Turn on the hazard lights, as well as the headlights, as a warning to drivers in both directions. Set out reflective triangles, lights or flares if you have them stashed in your car emergency kit. Greater visibility also helps the tow truck find you more easily.

3. Don't Accept Rides From Strangers

While a Good Samaritan might offer you a ride to a nearby auto shop, an unscrupulous person might also do so. Since they are strangers, you can't know their intentions. Practice caution and turn down any rides, even from a tow truck if it is not the one you called. You might find yourself with an overpriced bill. It's better to wait for the service you called.

4. Conserve Your Phone Battery

While you wait, you may be bored and start playing games or scrolling through social media on your phone. However, you should conserve your phone battery as much as possible. If your car is nonfunctional, you may not be able to use it to charge a dead phone. Then, the tow truck service won't be able to contact you if they need to verify your location. And if another emergency arises, you won't be able to call for help.

When you need a tow truck, Discount Towing and Recovery will be there to help. The company offers roadside assistance and towing services to motorists in Mountain Home, AR and surrounding areas. The skilled, speedy technicians provide jumpstarts, tire changes and fuel delivery in addition to towing, at affordable prices. The team has built a reputation for promptness and expertise. Call (870) 425-1775 for assistance or visit their website for more information.