Whether your vehicle breaks down on the freeway or in a rural area, your number one concern should be the safety of yourself and any passengers who might be with you while you are waiting for help to arrive. If you find yourself waiting on the side of the road for a mobile mechanic in Flagstaff, AZ, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you remain safe until your aid arrives:
- Pull over: When it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights so that your car is visible to other drivers. Unless you are in a residential neighborhood that has very little traffic, it is not recommended that you exit your vehicle. Instead, once you have safely gotten to the side of the road, review your incident policy and any other relevant information from the safety of the inside of your car. Standing on the side of the road is dangerous, and doing so greatly increases the risk of injury.
- Call for help: You can also begin to make the necessary calls to a tow truck company and the police if need be. While you are waiting, you can make your car even more visible by turning on the dome light and leaving your headlights on, in addition to turning on your hazard lights. You can also lift the hood of your car and tie something white to the antenna so that the tow truck will have an easier time spotting you. Do not try to flag down other drivers while you are waiting. This is not only unsafe for you, but can serve as a distraction for those who are driving by.
- Wait patiently: After you call for assistance, it is best to wait for a professional to arrive, and only get out of your vehicle if it is absolutely necessary that you do so. Even if the issue appears to be simple and you are normally very good with repairs, the possibility of making an already bad situation worse is high. The benefits you may gain by trying to make your own repairs do not outweigh the inherent danger that lies in trying to fix a vehicle on the side of the road.
While it may be true that semi trucks have higher visibility than smaller vehicles, it is also very possible for a truck that has pulled off to the shoulder to be mistaken for one that is still on the road. That means it’s important that a mobile mechanic in Flagstaff, AZ is sent out right away, so if your tractor trailer breaks down, give us a call at Maclin Truck & Trailer. We have a team of mobile mechanics who can safely meet you where you are and provide a tow for your heavy duty trucks. We’ll work hard to make sure you get the repairs you need right away. Get in touch with us as soon as you experience trouble with your vehicle.