6 Ways to Stay Safe on the Side of the Road
Most of us have had it happen at one time or another; a dead battery, sudden car problems while on the road, a tire blow out, a leaky radiator hose the list is endless. For those who haven’t yet experienced the perils of driving and having a sudden breakdown (the car that is, although you may feel like having a breakdown yourself when it happens!), here are some tips for handling whatever comes your way as smooth and stress-free as possible.
1. Always Take Your Cell Phone
If you carry a cell phone, don’t forget to take it with you even if you think you’ll only be gone a few minutes to run to the store or pick up the kids from school. Remember, a breakdown generally happens when we least expect it, and that includes a quick run to the video store. It’s a good idea to keep an extra cell phone battery and an extra cell phone car charger in the glove box, as well.
2. Program Your Cell Phone
Don’t forget to plug in the phone numbers of people you know you can call in the event of a roadside emergency friends, family, co-workers, your boss and the phone number of a towing service, AAA or your local service garage. If you find yourself stranded and don’t have phone numbers for local businesses, you can dial an information number to get the phone numbers of business in your area, like free 411 (1-800-FREE-411) or Google 411 (1-800-GOOG-411). Both of these services are absolutely free and it’s probably a good idea to plug one into your cell phone right now just in case.
3. Be Aware of Your Location
Know where you are or at least be aware of landmarks near you that can easily be identified. I admit I’m not the greatest when it comes to giving directions, so depending on who I’m speaking with, I often use landmarks as a guide.
4. Take a Map
Always keep a map in your glove box or trunk, along with a flashlight. Sometimes when the car won’t start, you won’t have any cabin lights either. If you get stranded at night, your flashlight is your best friend.
5. Don’t Take Rides from Strangers
I know you’ve heard it before, but I’m going to tell you again Never accept a ride from a stranger, no matter what time it is or how friendly those good Samaritans seem to be. Stay inside your car and wait for help from a police officer, the tow truck or someone you know. If another motorist stops and offers to jump start your vehicle, stay in your car, lock your doors, roll your window down just a few inches, pop open the hood and let them take it from there. Never exit the vehicle especially at night.
6. Leave a Note
If for some reason you absolutely, positively must leave your vehicle before help arrives, remember to lock your car, take your purse and leave a note describing where you went. Place the note under the windshield wiper blade. By leaving a note, you’re leaving a trail, making it easier to locate you, if necessary.
Remember if an area doesn’t feel safe, it probably isn’t.Always be aware of your location and surroundings, remain inside your vehicle, keep your cell phone handy and if you must walk to a pay phone or a location which has a phone, or you have to exit your vehicle for any reason, be aware of landmarks, other people and the time.
Can Cars for Girls readers think of other ways to stay safe?
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First write the note in large, legible lettering. Don’t leave the note under the windshield wiper. Leave it on the dash, securely above the steering wheel. If you leave it under the wiper it could blow away, get wet and not be legible (readable) or could be taken by the accomplice to your kidnapper (if it was the case). Leaving it inside the locked car should still give an emergency worker access to reading it, but it will be secure.
Good suggestion, LeaneG.