Calling for roadside help is only the beginning. Learn how to share your exact location, protect passengers, stay away from traffic, communicate with the driver, and prepare safely for towing.
You've safely stopped your vehicle.
You've called:
A TOW TRUCK.
or:
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.
Help is coming.
Now what?
This part of a roadside emergency can feel simple:
JUST WAIT.
But where and how you wait matters.
While you're waiting, traffic is still moving.
Weather can change.
Visibility may be poor.
Children or pets may be in the vehicle.
Your phone battery may be getting lower.
And the roadside provider still needs to:
FIND YOU.
A safer wait starts with one principle:
DON'T TURN A VEHICLE PROBLEM INTO A PERSONAL-SAFETY EMERGENCY.
Before focusing on the tow truck:
Look at your surroundings.
Ask:
“Are we safely separated from moving traffic?”
If the vehicle remains controllable and a safer location can be reached without creating additional risk, consider moving toward:
A wide shoulder
Highway exit
Rest area
Parking lot
Gas station
Emergency pull-off
Well-lit business
Other area separated from active traffic
But don't continue driving a mechanically unsafe vehicle simply because:
You want a more convenient pickup location.
Use your hazard lights when appropriate to alert approaching drivers that:
YOUR VEHICLE ISN'T OPERATING NORMALLY.
At night or in poor visibility:
Use appropriate exterior lighting as well.
But remember:
HAZARD LIGHTS WARN TRAFFIC.
They don't:
STOP TRAFFIC.
Physical separation from moving vehicles remains your best protection.
One of the most important things you can do is help the roadside provider:
FIND YOU QUICKLY.
Saying:
“I'm on the interstate.”
isn't enough.
Give as much useful location information as possible.
For example:
I-40
I-85
US-74
Main Street
or:
A specific local road.
If you're using a navigation app:
Confirm the road name before calling.
This is extremely important on divided highways.
For example:
I-40 WESTBOUND
is not the same pickup location as:
I-40 EASTBOUND.
A tow truck may need to travel several miles before reaching an interchange where it can turn around.
Tell the provider:
NORTHBOUND • SOUTHBOUND • EASTBOUND • WESTBOUND
when applicable.
Highway mile markers can help responders determine:
Exactly where you are.
If you can see one safely from your location:
Tell the provider the number.
For example:
“I'm on I-40 West near mile marker 52.”
Do not walk down the highway trying to find:
A mile marker.
If you can't see one safely:
Use another method.
Exit numbers are another useful reference.
For example:
“I'm approximately one mile before Exit 53.”
or:
“I'm just past Exit 44.”
Be specific about whether you're:
BEFORE
or:
AFTER
the exit in your direction of travel.
Useful landmarks might include:
Gas station
Rest area
Bridge
Large business
Shopping center
Intersection
Road sign
Recognizable building
For example:
“I'm on the right shoulder just past the bridge.”
The more precise you are:
The less time the provider spends searching.
If available:
Send your location through your phone's:
MAP
or:
LOCATION-SHARING
features.
A dropped pin or live location can be extremely helpful.
But don't rely on GPS alone.
Tell the provider:
The road and direction too.
Location pins near divided highways can sometimes make it unclear which side of the road you're actually on.
“I'm on I-40 West, about one mile before Exit 53, on the right shoulder. I'm driving a silver Honda Accord with the hazard lights on.”
That gives the provider:
ROAD.
DIRECTION.
REFERENCE POINT.
SHOULDER.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION.
That's much better than:
“I'm near Exit 53.”
Say:
RIGHT SHOULDER
LEFT SHOULDER
MEDIAN SIDE
PARKING LOT
or another clear description.
This becomes especially important on:
Multi-lane highways.
Provide:
Make
Model
Color
Approximate year when useful
License plate when requested
Other identifying features
For example:
“Black Ford F-150 with hazards on.”
That helps the driver identify:
YOU
among other stopped vehicles.
The provider needs more than:
“My car broke.”
Tell them what you know.
For example:
“The engine overheated.”
“The front tire blew out.”
“The battery is dead.”
“The vehicle was in a collision.”
“The front wheel is sitting at an angle.”
“The vehicle won't shift into neutral.”
“The steering is locked.”
This can affect:
WHAT EQUIPMENT THEY NEED.
Mention if:
Vehicle cannot roll
Wheel is locked
Tire is missing or severely damaged
Suspension is collapsed
Vehicle is in a ditch
Vehicle is stuck in mud or snow
Vehicle is in a parking garage
Vehicle has very low ground clearance
Vehicle has collision damage
Vehicle is AWD or 4WD
Vehicle is an EV or hybrid
This helps prevent the provider from arriving with:
THE WRONG EQUIPMENT.
Say so clearly.
For example:
“I'm partially blocking a traffic lane.”
“The shoulder is extremely narrow.”
“I'm just beyond a blind curve.”
“It's dark and the vehicle has no lights.”
“Traffic is passing inches from the vehicle.”
“We're on a bridge.”
“There is heavy snow and poor visibility.”
The environment matters just as much as:
The mechanical problem.
A tow truck handles:
VEHICLE RECOVERY.
Emergency services handle:
IMMEDIATE THREATS TO LIFE AND TRAFFIC SAFETY.
Call emergency services when appropriate if:
Vehicle is disabled in an active traffic lane
A collision has created an immediate hazard
Someone is injured
Vehicle fire is present
Significant fuel leak creates immediate danger
Floodwater threatens occupants
Vehicle is in another dangerously exposed location
Don't simply wait for roadside assistance when:
THE SITUATION REQUIRES EMERGENCY TRAFFIC CONTROL.
There isn't one correct answer for every breakdown.
Sometimes:
STAYING INSIDE IS SAFER.
Sometimes:
MOVING TO A PROTECTED AREA IS SAFER.
Ask:
“Where are the passengers least exposed to danger?”
Vehicle is completely off the roadway
Location is relatively protected
No fire or smoke is present
No fuel leak is suspected
No floodwater threatens the vehicle
Weather outside creates additional danger
There is no safer protected area nearby
When staying inside:
Keep seat belts fastened.
A stopped vehicle can still be struck.
The vehicle is exposed to traffic and a genuinely safer protected area can be reached without crossing dangerous traffic.
Or when the vehicle itself presents danger because of:
Fire
Smoke
Fuel leak
Rising water
Other immediate hazard
If you exit:
When possible, use the door:
AWAY FROM TRAFFIC.
Once roadside assistance has been called:
You don't need to stand beside the vehicle:
WATCHING FOR THE TRUCK.
That's what your:
PHONE
is for.
Stay in the safest available location.
If another driver strikes your vehicle from behind:
The vehicle may be pushed directly toward you.
Avoid standing:
DIRECTLY BEHIND THE VEHICLE.
Especially while:
Checking the trunk
Looking at damage
Taking pictures
Waiting for the tow truck
Unloading belongings
Don't stand:
BETWEEN YOUR VEHICLE AND MOVING TRAFFIC.
Also avoid areas where an impact could trap you between:
Vehicle and guardrail
Vehicle and wall
Vehicle and another vehicle
Vehicle and tow truck
Always think:
“WHERE WOULD THESE VEHICLES MOVE IF SOMETHING HIT THEM?”
Then stay away from that area.
Children should never be allowed to:
WANDER AROUND A ROADSIDE BREAKDOWN.
Keep them:
Secured and supervised.
If remaining inside is safest:
Keep them properly restrained.
If everyone must move to a protected area:
Move children carefully and keep them:
FAR FROM TRAFFIC.
That may appear protected.
But if the vehicle is struck:
That space can become:
A CRUSH ZONE.
Choose a genuinely protected location when available.
A frightened pet can:
BOLT INTO TRAFFIC.
Keep pets:
Restrained
Leashed when appropriate
Secured in carriers when available
Under direct control
Do not allow pets to wander around the shoulder.
Moving away from the vehicle isn't always simple.
Consider:
Mobility limitations
Weather
Terrain
Traffic
Medical equipment
Distance to safe shelter
Don't move a vulnerable passenger into:
A MORE DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENT
just because:
“Everyone is supposed to get out.”
Choose the safest option for the actual circumstances.
Your phone is your connection to:
Tow provider
Roadside dispatcher
Emergency services
Family
Maps
Location sharing
Don't leave it:
IN THE CAR
if you've moved to a protected waiting area.
The provider may need to:
CALL YOU.
Use low-power mode when appropriate.
Reduce screen brightness.
Close unnecessary apps.
Avoid:
Streaming videos
or:
Scrolling social media
while waiting.
If you have a portable power bank:
This is exactly why it's in your emergency kit.
If conditions permit:
Make sure you can hear:
THE DRIVER CALLING.
Tow drivers may contact you because:
They can't locate the vehicle
Traffic changed their route
They need additional information
They have arrived
They need you to identify a safe meeting location
Share:
Your location
Vehicle description
Tow-company name
Estimated arrival time
Destination when known
If anything changes:
Update them.
This is particularly useful:
AT NIGHT
or:
IN AN ISOLATED AREA.
Before help arrives, ask for:
Company name
Driver name when available
Vehicle description when available
Estimated arrival time
Callback information
When the truck arrives:
Confirm:
THEY WERE ACTUALLY DISPATCHED FOR YOU.
A tow truck arriving doesn't automatically mean:
It's your tow truck.
Before handing over:
YOUR KEYS
or authorizing:
YOUR VEHICLE TO BE MOVED
confirm:
Who dispatched them
Company
Destination
Charges when applicable
Whether they're the provider you requested
Emergency or law-enforcement-directed towing may follow different procedures.
Instead of immediately giving all your information to someone who approaches:
Ask:
“Who are you here to pick up?”
The legitimate dispatched provider should have information about:
YOUR SERVICE REQUEST.
If the tow truck arrives on:
THE WRONG SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY
don't cross traffic.
Call the driver.
Let them reach you:
SAFELY.
When the driver arrives:
They may need to position the truck strategically to:
Protect the work area
Load the vehicle
Access the correct side
Avoid traffic
Operate recovery equipment
Follow their instructions.
Don't assume:
Where you want the truck parked
is where:
It needs to be.
Tow trucks use:
Winches
Cables
Chains
Straps
Hydraulic equipment
Moving decks
Wheel lifts
These create:
PINCH POINTS AND STORED ENERGY.
Don't stand:
Behind the vehicle being winched
Between the vehicle and truck
Near tensioned cables
Beside moving equipment
Let the operator:
DO THEIR JOB.
You may want to:
Push the vehicle.
Guide the wheel.
Grab the cable.
But unless the operator specifically directs you:
Stay clear.
Professional towing equipment can generate tremendous force.
Before the vehicle is transported:
You may need to handle certain things.
But preparation comes:
AFTER PERSONAL SAFETY.
Do not walk around a dangerously exposed vehicle just to:
GET IT READY FOR THE TOW TRUCK.
When safe, take items you may need before the vehicle leaves.
Examples:
Phone
Wallet
Identification
House keys
Medication
Work equipment
Child belongings
Important documents
Garage-door opener when appropriate
Other valuables
You may not have immediate access to the vehicle once it reaches:
A REPAIR FACILITY OR STORAGE LOT.
When practical:
Don't leave valuable items plainly visible.
You may also want to remove personal belongings that could:
SHIFT DURING TRANSPORT.
The tow operator may need:
THE VEHICLE KEY OR FOB.
Have it accessible.
Don't hand it over until:
You've verified the provider.
If your vehicle has locking wheel fasteners:
Tell the provider or repair facility where the:
WHEEL-LOCK KEY
is located.
A good permanent storage location might be:
Glove box
or:
Spare-tire tool compartment.
Before loading:
Mention anything important.
For example:
“The front wheel is loose.”
“The suspension is collapsed.”
“The vehicle won't shift into neutral.”
“There's a fluid leak.”
“The parking brake won't release.”
“The vehicle has very low ground clearance.”
“The battery is completely dead.”
“The vehicle is AWD.”
“This is an electric vehicle.”
Don't assume:
THE DRIVER CAN SEE EVERYTHING THAT'S WRONG.
If you stopped because of:
LOW OIL PRESSURE
SEVERE OVERHEATING
MAJOR MECHANICAL NOISE
or another condition where running the engine could cause additional damage:
Tell the tow operator:
WHY YOU SHUT IT DOWN.
Don't restart it just because:
“It'll be easier to load.”
Let the professional determine the appropriate loading procedure.
If the vehicle is leaking:
Fuel
Oil
Coolant
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid
Other fluid
tell the operator.
A leak can affect:
HOW THE VEHICLE IS HANDLED AND TRANSPORTED.
A suspected fuel leak may require additional safety precautions.
Tell the provider:
THIS IS AN EV
or:
THIS IS A HYBRID.
Some vehicles have manufacturer-specific:
Towing requirements
Neutral procedures
Transport modes
High-voltage precautions
If the battery or high-voltage system may have been damaged:
SAY SO.
After:
Collision
Flooding
Underbody impact
Battery damage
do not touch:
Damaged high-voltage components or orange high-voltage cables.
Keep people away.
Tell emergency responders and the towing provider.
Towing procedures vary based on:
Front-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
All-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
EV
Hybrid
Vehicle damage
Manufacturer requirements
The operator should select the appropriate transport method.
This may include:
A FLATBED
or other appropriate towing equipment.
Before the vehicle leaves:
Know:
THE DESTINATION.
Confirm:
Repair facility
Address
Storage location if applicable
Who will receive the vehicle
Don't simply watch your car disappear without knowing:
WHERE IT'S GOING.
Before authorizing non-emergency towing:
Ask about applicable:
Hookup/load fee
Mileage
After-hours charges
Storage charges
Other fees
If the tow is being directed by:
LAW ENFORCEMENT
or after a collision:
Different rules and procedures may apply.
Before towing:
Photos of the vehicle's condition can be useful.
You might photograph:
Visible damage
Tire condition
Collision damage
Vehicle exterior
But only when:
YOU CAN DO IT WITHOUT EXPOSING YOURSELF TO TRAFFIC.
Never walk into:
A HIGHWAY LANE
to get:
A BETTER PICTURE.
Before leaving:
When it can be retrieved safely, collect your:
Warning triangles
LED beacon
Flashlight
Reflective equipment
But don't risk yourself:
RETRIEVING A $20 WARNING TRIANGLE FROM A DANGEROUS LOCATION.
Equipment can be replaced.
You cannot.
Reassess your situation.
Conditions may change.
Heavy rain may cause:
FLOODING.
Snow may cover:
THE SHOULDER.
Extreme heat may make:
THE VEHICLE INTERIOR UNSAFE.
Extreme cold may create:
EXPOSURE RISK.
A safe waiting location can become:
AN UNSAFE ONE.
Don't simply remain somewhere because:
“The tow truck is almost here.”
Continue monitoring:
Your safety
Phone battery
Weather
Traffic conditions
Passenger needs
If your situation becomes dangerous:
Escalate appropriately.
A delayed tow should never keep you:
IN AN IMMEDIATE LIFE-SAFETY HAZARD.
After calling roadside assistance:
✓ Get as far from active traffic as safely practical
✓ Turn on hazard lights when appropriate
✓ Share your exact location
✓ Give the road and direction of travel
✓ Identify mile marker or nearest exit when available
✓ Tell the provider which shoulder you're on
✓ Describe your vehicle
✓ Explain what happened
✓ Mention special towing conditions
✓ Protect children and pets
✓ Decide whether inside or a protected area is safer
✓ Stay away from traffic and crush zones
✓ Keep your phone with you
✓ Conserve phone battery
✓ Keep the ringer on
✓ Tell someone you trust where you are
✓ Verify the tow provider
✓ Gather important belongings when safe
✓ Tell the operator about leaks or serious damage
✓ Confirm the towing destination
✓ Stay clear while the vehicle is being loaded
When roadside assistance is coming:
Roadside Safety TipsWhen your car breaks down, the information you give roadside assistance matters. Learn what to report about your location, vehicle, symptoms, passengers, traffic exposure, tire condition, towing needs, and immediate hazards.
Read Article
Roadside Safety TipsJoin hundreds of verified repair professionals already growing their businesses with FixFlowIQ. Receive qualified auto repair leads in Asheville, NC, and across North Carolina, manage bookings, and build your reputation—all from one dashboard.
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Know exactly where you are.
Keep passengers away from traffic.
Keep your phone available.
Make sure the person arriving:
IS YOUR PROVIDER.
Gather belongings and vehicle information:
ONLY WHEN SAFE.
Let the professional load the vehicle.
Know where your vehicle is going.
Calling a tow truck doesn't mean:
THE DANGER IS OVER.
Until you and your passengers are:
SAFELY AWAY FROM MOVING TRAFFIC
you still need to think about:
LOCATION.
VISIBILITY.
PASSENGERS.
COMMUNICATION.
and:
YOUR SURROUNDINGS.
Don't stand beside your vehicle waiting for the truck.
Don't walk along the highway looking for a mile marker.
Don't cross traffic to meet the driver.
Don't let children or pets wander around the shoulder.
Don't restart a severely damaged vehicle just to make loading easier.
And don't stand near:
WINCHES • CABLES • CHAINS • MOVING TOW EQUIPMENT
while the vehicle is being loaded.
Give the provider:
GOOD INFORMATION.
Keep yourself:
IN A SAFE LOCATION.
Then let the professional handle:
THE VEHICLE.
Because during a roadside emergency:
THE TOW TRUCK'S JOB IS TO RECOVER THE VEHICLE.
YOUR JOB IS TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE.
Getting the vehicle safely transported solves:
THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEM.
Then comes:
THE REPAIR.
When you're safely away from traffic, submit your repair request through FixFlowIQ.
Include:
Year • Make • Model • Mileage
Describe what happened:
“The engine overheated and the vehicle was towed.”
“The front tire blew out and the wheel may be damaged.”
“The vehicle lost oil pressure, so I shut it down and had it towed.”
“The car was involved in a collision and can't be safely driven.”
“The vehicle lost electrical power and wouldn't restart.”
Then compare:
Pricing • Availability • Warranty • Reviews • Provider Discounts
The tow truck gets your vehicle:
OFF THE ROADSIDE.
FixFlowIQ helps you figure out:
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
And through every stage:
PEOPLE FIRST.
VEHICLE SECOND.
REPAIR THIRD.
Oral Thompson
Writes about vehicle care and the FixFlowIQ platform.
Trying to save the cost of a tow can sometimes turn a manageable vehicle problem into a major repair. Learn the warning signs that mean you should stop driving and have your vehicle professionally transported instead.
