All of us at Mike White Ford love cars and love driving. At the same time, we also know that driving has risks, so safety is always at the forefront of our minds.
Protecting ourselves, our passengers, and others on the road is a critical driving responsibility. Ford engineers have always incorporated innovative safety features into the cars Ford manufactures. But all the safety innovations in the world cannot always prevent a dangerous situation from developing, and one of those situations is when your car breaks down while you’re on the road.
Experiencing a car breakdown is nerve-wracking, especially if you are on a bustling highway or interstate. Many things assail you at once: you are worried about what is wrong with your car; you fret about being late for an appointment, work, or school; you dread the potential cost of repairs. While your mind is racing, you must assess the potential danger for yourself and other motorists navigating the same busy thoroughfare. In such moments, the importance of preparedness, maintaining composure, and adhering to well-defined guidelines cannot be overstated. While we hope you will never be in this situation, reviewing the procedures you should follow in handling a breakdown is helpful.
Urgent Car Problems: Staying Calm and Taking the Right Steps
First and foremost, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of trouble as soon as they arise. Whether it’s an ominous clunking sound emanating from under the hood, a sudden loss of power, braking, or steering, or a tire problem, being alert to the early warnings can make all the difference. As soon as you notice something has gone awry, you must maneuver your vehicle out of harm’s way safely and quickly.
The first step is activating your turn signal to let other cars know you are trying to pull over. If your car is disabled, activate your hazard lights. Hazard lights alert other vehicles that you are experiencing a problem so they can understand why you may be slowing down or changing lanes. Drive your car to the farthest possible edge of the road, away from traffic flow along the right shoulder (if possible). This minimizes the risk of collision and provides a safer environment for assessing the situation, seeking assistance from other motorists, and enabling response vehicles to reach you.
Next, take a deep breath and assess your situation. If the shoulder is narrow and there is the possibility of another car colliding with your car, exiting your vehicle safely is the next critical step for you and other passengers. If feasible, everyone should exit through the passenger side, away from oncoming traffic. If that is not feasible for the driver, wait until the traffic is clear before exiting the driver’s side. Once clear of your vehicle, move to a secure location, preferably behind a sturdy guardrail or barrier, if available. It’s worth noting that many drivers tend to unthinkingly veer towards objects they’re visually fixated on, whether it’s a stalled car or an unfolding accident scene. Thus, positioning yourself away from the line of traffic reduces the likelihood of being struck by a passing vehicle.
If you are in a safe spot away from traffic lanes, you and your passengers may be safer staying in your vehicle, especially if you have young children. Take a moment to make sure you are in a safe place.
In situations where moving your vehicle off the main thoroughfare is impossible, taking additional precautions is imperative. Contacting emergency services should be your first action, followed by activating your hazard lights to signal distress. It’s also advisable to remain seated with your seatbelt fastened, minimizing the risk of injury in a collision. Do not exit your vehicle if there is moving traffic around you.
Having satisfied yourself that you and others are safe, the next priority is to alert others to your predicament – family, highway patrol, towing service, etc. Your goal should be to transport yourself and your passengers away from the highway to be taken home or wherever is most appropriate. The second priority is having your car taken to a service location.
This stage is also where the strategic use of hazard lights, reflective vests, flares, and warning triangles comes into play. Activating your hazard lights immediately informs approaching drivers of your stationary position and donning a reflective vest enhances your visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Setting up reflective triangles or flares reinforces this visual cue, warning motorists to exercise caution as they approach your location. It encourages other motorists to slow down and be watchful.
Preparedness: Be Ready for the Unexpected
Preparedness is vital to navigating these types of unforeseen challenges effectively. While preventive maintenance and regular servicing can mitigate the risk of breakdowns, it’s essential to be equipped for emergencies. A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver in such scenarios, containing essentials ranging from a cell phone with a charger to a comprehensive toolkit. Other indispensable items include a first-aid kit and an auto kit with jumper cables, flares, tire-pressure gauge, reflective gear, a flashlight, reflective vest, and warning triangles.
Familiarity with basic roadside repair procedures can prove invaluable in resolving minor issues such as a flat tire independently, thereby reducing reliance on external assistance when it may not always be available. Whether changing a flat tire or jump-starting a dead battery, possessing a working knowledge of these fundamental tasks can instill confidence and self-reliance in the face of adversity.
Having a reliable roadside assistance service on speed dial on your phone is also helpful. For example, Ford Roadside Assistance is available to Ford vehicle owners for the first five years or 60,000 miles after purchasing a vehicle. Many insurers also offer this service, as well as some auto clubs. Having a roadside assistance service can expedite the resolution process significantly, whether it’s a towing service or on-the-spot repairs, and knowing that help is just a phone call away can alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty associated with breakdowns.
Further, maintaining a list of emergency contacts, including local family and friends, local law enforcement agencies, and your insurance provider, can streamline the communication process during moments of crisis. Store these numbers both in your phone and in a readily accessible location within your vehicle, ensuring quick access when time is critical.
As a final point, remember that these measures should be sufficient for daily driving. However, if you are planning a long road trip, you will want to prepare further, especially if you will be driving through remote areas. For long trips, additional preparation should include packing food, water, blankets, and a portable phone charger. Before embarking on your journey, inspect your vehicle to ensure that your fluids are topped off, the car is in proper working order, and your tires are in good condition. If you have any doubts, bring your vehicle in for Ford’s The Works oil change service at our dealership, which includes an inspection of your vehicle’s brakes and topping off all of your fluids.
Mike White Ford hopes you never have to navigate a highway breakdown, but being prepared and informed is essential. Even if you never have to go through the ordeal, your preparedness may end up helping others caught in this situation. By adhering to established safety protocols, equipping yourself with essential supplies, and staying calm under pressure, you can help resolve even the most challenging roadside emergencies.
For more road tips and tricks, check our site regularly for updates. If you are in the market for a new Ford with all the latest safety innovations, please contact Mike White Ford, with dealerships in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho.