What to Do If Your Vehicle Stalling on a Road?

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A vehicle stalling on the road can be stressful, but the most important thing is to stay calm and prioritize safety. Plus, it can be terrifying in certain situations. So what exactly do you do? You should immediately pull to the roadside if you see any signs of a possible stall or other vehicle issue. Naturally, moving to the right whenever possible is preferable because it gives you a more straightforward way out, as you will not be trapped between opposing lanes of traffic. Here are some steps that you can follow if you face any stall or other vehicle issue on the road:

First Step:  Get Out of Traffic

  1. Steer Safely: Steer your car to the shoulder quickly and safely. Use your turn signal to indicate your intention.
  2. Maintain Control: If you can, put your vehicle in neutral and use your brakes to slow down. Avoid stopping abruptly in the travel lanes.

Second Step: Increase Visibility

  1. Turn on Hazards: To warn other drivers that your vehicle is disabled, immediately turn on your hazard lights.
  2. Parking Brake: Rather than applying the brake when the car is on level ground, consider keeping it neutral and applying pressure on your foot. This can minimize damage if you’re rear-ended. However, if you’re on a slope, use the parking brake, but be gentle to avoid locking the wheels.

Third Step: Call for Help

  1. Contact: If you have a mobile phone with reception, call for help immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your car is blocking traffic or in a dangerous location. Otherwise, call roadside assistance or a tow truck.
  2. Emergency Call Box: If you don’t have a cell signal, use a road emergency call box.

Fourth Step: Stay Safe While Waiting

  1. Stay Inside: If you can safely pull over, stay inside your car with your seatbelt on and lock the doors. It will protect you from oncoming traffic.
  2. Open Windows Slightly: Crack your windows open slightly for ventilation, but not enough for someone to reach in.
  3. Stay Alert: Be alert of your surroundings and avoid exiting your car onto the road unless necessary.
  4. Nighttime: If it’s nighttime, turn on your dome light to make your vehicle more visible.

Bonus Tips

  1. Don’t Attempt Repairs: Unless you’re a certified mechanic, don’t try to fix your car on the side of the road. It’s dangerous and could put you at risk.
  2. Passengers and Pets: If you have passengers, keep them calm and instruct them to stay inside the car. Don’t let pets out onto the road.
  3. Roadside Assistance: If you have roadside assistance, having their phone number readily available can save valuable time.

Summary!

Overall, following these steps can increase your safety and help you get help quickly when your vehicle stalling on the road. This will help you to fix any minor issues you experience on the highway. You will probably need to consult with an attorney to determine how to get your damages back if an accident happens after your car stalls on the roadside.

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