Understanding Emergency Protocol

Five Steps To Speeding Up Roadside Assistance

11 June 2015

Eevi Annala

Roadside breakdowns are inconvenient and unsafe for everyone involved. Getting help quickly and getting back onto the road as fast as possible is the goal of every driver. By being organized and aware of the risks, this is a task that is easy to accomplish.

Step One: Always be prepared when you are out on the road. Carry in a wallet, on your mobile phone or with your emergency breakdown kit the phone numbers and names of the companies that offer roadside service in the areas you are traveling through. Stay aware of where you are when driving in unfamiliar territory. Note any roadside attractions, road signs or other items that could distinguish one area from another.

Step Two: Before you do anything else, assess the situation and make a decision about whether it is safer to stay in the vehicle or get out. If you were unable to get the vehicle off the roadway or you are directly beside the roadway and the road conditions are poor or it is dark, it may be safer to vacate the vehicle and wait on the side of the road. If you break down in an unfamiliar neighborhood, you may be safer staying inside your vehicle with the doors locked. Make this choice first, but continue to stay aware of your surroundings.

Step Three: When you call for assistance, give the dispatcher a clear description of the mechanical problem as well as good directions of where you are. Make certain you are providing an accurate description of your vehicle too. Have your plate numbers, vehicle year, make and model ready as well as the color of the vehicle. All of this will make it easier for you to be found quickly, even on a busy highway.

Step Four: When the mechanic arrives, give them the information they need and stay out of the way. Every technician who performs roadside work understands the dangers of oncoming traffic. They want to get through the project as quickly as possible to avoid any problems.

Step Five Know what you want to do if the repair cannot take place on the roadside. Most companies that provide roadside assistance also have tow trucks. You can call ahead to your own mechanic to make certain they will be able to accept your vehicle and have it towed to them or accept the suggestion of the emergency technician at the scene. If you are planning to call for a ride, make certain the driver and the garage it is being towed to have all of the information they need before you leave.

Luckily, for most people these types of incidents are rare. This is probably why so many are unprepared for it when it does occur. A few minutes to gather contact numbers and to update them occasionally is really all of the preparation most people will need. Since it can save you hours of walking, waving down help or making multiple calls from the side of the road, it really is work a few moments. To find more information, speak with a business like Collins Service Center.

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