When your car breaks down, every second counts. A car breakdown is unexpected, stressful, and can turn hazardous in an instant. Whether you’re on a quiet street in the suburbs or stuck on the busy shoulder of the freeway, your immediate reaction matters most.
The first few minutes are critical, and most drivers are unprepared for the high safety risks involved. We’ve put together an essential guide on how to secure your vehicle and protect yourself, from the moment your car stops, until you’re ready to call the team at Northern Suburbs Towing for rapid and reliable car towing and towing services.
Immediate Safety Actions
The moment your car stops working, your personal safety and the safety of other road users are the top priority.
Engage Hazard Lights
Whether a flat tyre, a strange noise, or an electrical fault, engaging your hazard lights immediately signals distress to road users around you, giving them sufficient time to react and safely navigate around your vehicle.
Pull Over Safely
Use any remaining engine power or momentum to move your vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible. If you’re stuck on the freeway, aim to move towards the far left of the road or a dedicated emergency lane. Avoid stopping your car directly after a bend or along narrow road shoulders, as this creates a dangerous environment.
Secure the Vehicle
Once your vehicle has safely come to a stop, ensure your parking brake is engaged and your wheels are turned away from the road. This is crucial to preventing your vehicle from rolling or being pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle hits you. Lastly, switch off your ignition and keep your hazard lights on.
Staying in a Safe Position
If you’re on a busy road or along the freeway, stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on. It is also usually safest to remain inside your vehicle if visibility is compromised in situations of bad weather or low light.
If you must exit, do so from the passenger side and move to a safe location, as far from the road as possible. Never stand directly in front of or behind your vehicle.
Calling for Help
Once you are in a safe location, the next step is calling a professional emergency roadside service or roadside assistance.
If your vehicle is completely disabled or unsafe to drive, calling a tow truck is the most efficient option. For fast response times and damage-free car towing services in Perth, call Northern Suburbs Towing.
When calling for professional roadside assistance or towing, having this information ready can create clear and efficient processes:
- Personal Information: Name, contact number, vehicle registration and details
- Precise Location: Use a GPS or note nearby street names to provide an exact location
- Problem: Describe the specific nature of the problem and mention any immediate dangers
While waiting for assistance to arrive, it is important to stay put to ensure you remain safe. Do not attempt any repairs and leave it to the professionals.
Your Trusted Towing Service
Car breakdowns are stressful, but knowing what to do prevents your safety from being compromised.
Northern Suburbs Towing is Perth’s trusted local towing expert, providing affordable towing services and roadside assistance across Perth. No matter whether you’re stranded along the busy Mitchell Freeway or a quiet street in the Northern Suburbs, our 24/7 emergency towing and breakdown towing service promises prompt response times and safe transportation of your vehicle.
When you need a reliable tow truck and towing service you can count on, give us a call and let us handle the rest.