You’re stuck on the side of the road. Hazards flashing. The car’s given up. Maybe it’s a flat tyre, engine failure, or something worse, but one thing’s certain: you’re waiting for a tow truck, and the minutes feel endless. Here’s the thing, though: what you do while waiting really matters. For your safety, for the tow truck driver’s safety, and even for how quickly the whole thing gets resolved.
Stay Calm, First
Easier said than done when you’re stranded, but the first move is staying level-headed. Panicking clouds judgement. Take a few deep breaths, assess your surroundings, and shift into solution mode.
You don’t need to solve everything right now. You just need to keep yourself safe until help arrives. Once you’ve contacted a company for emergency towing Newcastle, it’s all about staying safe and visible until help reaches you.
Pull Over Properly
If the car is still drivable, your best bet is to move it somewhere safer. Aim for:
- The emergency breakdown lane (if you’re on a highway)
- A quiet side street (if you’re in a busy area)
- A car park or open space if one’s nearby
Avoid tight curves, hill crests, or blind spots. You want to be as visible as possible. And if it’s dark? Keep those hazard lights on the whole time.
Can’t move the car at all? That’s okay—just make sure your hazard lights are flashing and skip to the next step.
Get Yourself Out of Harm’s Way
This one’s crucial: do not stay in the car if it’s in a dangerous spot.
Highways and busy roads can be deadly places to wait. If your car is on or near a live lane, exit from the side facing away from traffic and move well off the road.
Find a safe spot behind a barrier or up an embankment if there’s one around. Tow truck drivers often say the biggest risk isn’t the broken-down car, it’s the people standing too close to it.
Now, if your car is in a perfectly safe spot (like a shoulder or parking bay), it’s okay to stay inside—just keep your seatbelt on, doors locked, and be alert to your surroundings.
Make Yourself Visible
It’s not just about hazard lights. If you’ve got a hi-vis vest, wear it. Pop the bonnet. Set out a reflective triangle if you’ve got one (a few metres behind the car, facing traffic).
Visibility makes a massive difference, especially at night or in bad weather. It gives other drivers a clear heads-up and helps the tow truck spot you quicker too.
Don’t Try to DIY the Big Stuff
Flat battery? You might try a jump start if it’s safe and you’ve done it before. But for anything beyond that, especially engine trouble, brake issues, or transmission problems, don’t try to fix it on the spot.
Poking around under the bonnet beside a busy road is dangerous and rarely productive. If a tow is on the way, leave it to the pros.
Keep Communications Open
Once you’ve called the towing service, make sure your phone stays on and charged. If possible, text your location to someone you trust, just in case. And if your battery’s low, avoid doom-scrolling. Keep it for calls or emergency use.
Let the towing service know your exact location. Landmarks help. Saying “I’m near exit 21, just past the BP station” beats “somewhere on the highway.”
Skip the Risks
While waiting, here’s what not to do:
- Don’t walk along the road – It’s more dangerous than it seems. Stay off the shoulder if you can.
- Don’t accept help from random drivers – Appreciate the offer, but politely decline. Stick to your official towing service.
- Don’t leave the car unlocked – Even if you’ve stepped away, lock it up.
- Don’t wander too far – The tow truck might arrive sooner than expected.
- Don’t turn off your phone – Sounds obvious, but in a panic, it’s easy to hit the wrong button.
Be Ready When the Tow Arrives
When the truck pulls up, things move fast. Help them help you.
Have your keys ready. Know where you want the car taken (if it’s not just to the nearest mechanic). And if you’ve spoken to a dispatcher earlier, mention any instructions they gave.
If you’re riding along in the truck, let them know if you need to grab personal items from the car. Don’t leave wallets, phones, or essentials behind.
A Breakdown Doesn’t Have to Break You
No one loves a roadside emergency, but how you handle it makes all the difference. Staying calm, being smart about safety, and knowing when to step back can turn a frustrating moment into a manageable one.
