Back Roads: How Towing Services Can Be A Lifesaver
What to do while waiting for a tow truck
Brittany Howell
When your vehicle breaks down and you are waiting for a towing service to arrive, it is important that you practice precaution. You don't want to put yourself or others in jeopardy by not following the rules. Here are some things to be sure you do when you are waiting for the tow truck driver.
Know Where to Wait
It is important that you not stand outside of the vehicle if you are stopped on the highway or another fast-moving street. Standing on the side of the vehicle that is facing the street can be very dangerous, especially if it is dark or raining when visibility is already minimal. Also don't stand right in front of or behind the vehicle, just in case it starts to roll or a fire starts underneath the hood. This is a simple precaution. In most cases, it is safer to remain in the vehicle with the doors locked. If you smell gas or something burning, exit the vehicle and stay a good distance away, while also staying out of the way of traffic.
Make Your Vehicle More Visible
When you have determined the right place to be while waiting for the tow truck, make sure your vehicle is visible. You can't park it in an area that puts your car at jeopardy of being hit by cars driving by or get in the way of traffic, but the tow truck driver needs to be able to find you. A good way to do this is by turning on the hazard lights. Even if it is raining, snowing, or dark out, the driver should be able to see the lights. This also gives a warning to other drivers that the car is on the side of the road. If you have orange cones or triangles to place around the perimeter of the car, that will also be very useful when a tow truck is meant to arrive.
Avoid Moving the Vehicle Following an Accident
If you were in a collision, you should not move the vehicle yourself, regardless of where it is located. Even if you are on the left lane of a highway, if you were in a bad accident, stay where you are and call for emergency services. They will be out there with a tow truck to move the vehicle somewhere safe. The local authorities will most likely want to record the scene of the accident and complete a police report before having the vehicle moved, which is one of the reasons you should leave it where it is.
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Hi there! Brenton here. I'm a bit of an adventurer and I've actually driven around Australia three times. From the Nullarbor Plains to the Gulf, I have driven on some seriously bad roads. After my first trip, I learnt that despite my bush mechanic skills, I can't always fix vehicles. I've become quite an amateur expert on how to avoid breakdowns as well as the best towing services to access when all else fails. I have lots of other mates who like going off the beaten track and I'm always giving them tips in case they need to be towed for assistance. Australia is a vast country with lots of isolated patches, so it's best to be prepared. I hope this blog gives you an insight into the best towing services and shows you how they can be a lifesaver in desperate circumstances. Please drive in!