A vehicle breakdown can happen at any time. Even a well maintained car or truck can have a situation occur like a tire blow out, unresponsive battery, or belt break. The car is a piece of mechanics and things do wear out. If and when it happens, there are some things you should do for your own safety.
If it happens while you are driving, move to a place of safety as quickly as possible. A good place is usually on the berm, shoulder or other area off the path of traffic. Select a spot that is flat so your car won’t want to slide anywhere.
Engage the emergency brake (parking brake). If you are on a slope of some kind turn the wheels away from the road to help prevent rolling.
Make yourself visible to other motorists. Turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible. Leave them on until help arrives. Lift the hood of your car as an additional signal of your distress. Set out flares or reflector triangles to alert other drivers.
If you need to get out of your vehicle, make sure the road is completely clear of traffic. If at all possible, exit through the door away from the road. Basically stay with your vehicle, preferably locked inside. If someone approaches to help, roll the window down enough to speak.
Call for roadside assistance. Your insurance provider sometimes offers this service or there are automobile clubs that, for an annual fee, will provide help in case of a breakdown. If you do not have either of these available, you can search your phone for the nearest tow truck company. You can also call 411 for information. Just in case, program the phone number for Towing Ottawa into your phone so that you will be prepared for emergencies.
Provide as much information as possible including the area you are in. If it is a highway, there should be mile markers. Describe your vehicle. If you know the nature of your problem, let them know. Otherwise explain what happened so the tow company will have an idea of what extra supplies they might need, or the type of truck to assign. If you are in the middle of the road or in other danger, be sure to explain that so the company can prioritize your call.
It may take some time for the truck to arrive. When it does, be sure it is the company you contacted. There are unscrupulous people who will take advantage of your situation. Towing Ottawa will confirm the expected arrival time and can let you know information about the truck you should expect.
If it is winter, keep as warm as possible. That is when it is nice to have some supplies on hand like blankets, old towels, chemical heat packs, etc. Having an extra bottle of water or granola bars available is also a good plan.
Generally you will get to decide on the tow destination. The tow truck driver should inform you of the anticipated charges and any restrictions. Once your vehicle is at the destination, you are responsible to find your own way home.
