Roadside Safety Tips

Whether it's a flat tire, breakdown or an accident, there's a good chance you'll experience some sort of roadside emergency in your lifetime. And if it happens on a busy street or freeway where you have to contend with heavy traffic, a bad situation can quickly become worse.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, every year there are roughly 4,000 pedestrian fatalities, accounting for 12% of all traffic fatalities and 59,000 pedestrian injuries from roadway crashes. Practicing smart roadside safety techniques can help prevent you from becoming an unfortunate statistic.

Common sense tips

If you have an emergency while driving, your personal roadside safety should be your first priority. Allied Auto Insurance suggests that you follow these safety recommendations from the Insurance Information Institute to help prevent one accident from becoming two.

Move to Safety

Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine damage on a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe, out-of-the-way spot, and then get out of the car. If you've been in an accident, motion for the other driver to do the same.

If you have a tire blowout or a flat, good roadside safety calls for moving your vehicle to a safer place out of harm's way before attempting a repair, even if it means destroying the wheel. The cost of a new tire, rim or wheel is well worth it when it means ensuring your safety.

Call for Help

If your car won't run or if it's so badly damaged that it can't be driven, stay in the vehicle and use a cell phone to call for help. Don't stand outside the vehicle in the flow of traffic.

If you break down in a dangerous area, call the police and stay in your car with the doors locked until help arrives.

Be Prepared

Carry flags, flares or reflective triangles in your vehicle so you can mark your location in the event of an emergency, even during the day. Remember to turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers have advanced warning of a problem ahead.

Be sure to always carry roadside safety kits for emergencies. Your kit should include:

• Jumper cables
• Canned instant tire inflator
• Heavy-duty rope
• Gloves and warm blanket for winter breakdowns
• First aid kit