A vehicle breakdown or other roadside emergency is never convenient and can even be dangerous. Whether your car is old or new, there can be a mechanical failure, flat tire, or other problem that sends you to the breakdown lane.

Preparation can minimize the pain and risk, including having a plan of action in mind and carrying certain gear in the car. This is especially important when traveling long distance, driving through remote areas, or when you have young or elderly passengers. This morning, I was on the Today Show speaking about how to deal a break down (watch video), and I'll share my tips below to help make your road trips less worrisome.

Safety motto: Be prepared
Having a good safety kit is important for emergency preparedness, with the common cell phone arguably being the most essential tool. Other key items include a first-aid kit, jack and lug wrench, flashlight, road flares or reflecting triangles, basic tools (screw drivers, pliers), jumper cables, snacks, and water. A portable GPS system can also be a real safety aid, with the ability to guide you to nearby assistance, identify your location, and provide contact information for local emergency services. 

For driving through remote areas where help may be further away, the kit can be enhanced with a fire extinguisher, spare fuses, cash, extra clothes, and short board to place under the jack. Of course, in the winter, you’ll want a shovel, blanket, hat, gloves, hand warmers, windshield scraper, and kitty litter if traveling through the snow belt. (For more information, read: “Roadside emergency kit: What to carry with you.”) 

The most important things are to keep your wits about you and behave in a safe manner. 

If you break down:

• Keep calm–don’t get overwhelmed and put yourself in danger
• If your vehicle is running, activate your turn signal and pull as far off the side of the road as possible, preferably on the right-hand side in a flat, open location. Even better, take the next exit if possible, removing you from a busy roadway. Even if you get a flat tire, don’t stop in the travel lane. Limp the car to a safe location; a new wheel is less important than your safety.
• If your vehicle stopped running, use momentum to coast as far off the side of the road as possible, preferably on the right-hand side. Make sure the location you stop is one you have traction to drive away from.
• Don’t let the car idle. Heat from the car could ignite grass underneath, plus it is environmentally irresponsible. If in a cold climate, left the car warm up, then turn off engine when not needed.
• Turn on your emergency flashers/hazard lights.
• When it is safe, exit the vehicle on the non-traffic side and raise the hood.
• Stand away from the car, to the side, to make a cell phone call. Do not wait in front of the vehicle. Should another car clip yours, that could be a fatal mistake.
• If possible, change or alter your clothing to be as visible as possible, such as opening a jacket to expose a white shirt, or put on a brightly colored hat.
• If you don’t have a phone with you, walk to a call box on major highways or nearby business, while keeping an eye on traffic.
• Both the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Connecticut State Police recommend you stay inside the vehicle while waiting for assistance, particularly at night or during inclement weather.
• Never try to cross a freeway or highway.
• The Connecticut State Police recommend locking the doors and asking anyone who offers help to call law-enforcement. Make sure to ask for identification when the uniformed officer arrives.
• It’s dangerous to try and work on your car on the side of the road, even if you have flares or reflective warning devices in place.
• Be careful when placing a warning flare. Don’t place it too close to the car, anything flammable such as grass or weeds, or within the road.

Learn more in our road trips special section. 

—Jon Linkov