Highlights
- Staying calm and acting quickly are the most important steps during a highway breakdown.
- Pulling over safely, using hazard lights, and staying inside the vehicle can prevent serious accidents.
- Towing companies like Feldkamps Towing in Champaign, IL offer 24/7 roadside assistance and can help in high-stress situations.
- Emergency kits, charged phones, and awareness of your surroundings can make a big difference.
- Knowing what to do ahead of time helps reduce panic and protects everyone on the road.
Breaking down on a highway is never part of anyone’s plan, but it happens to thousands of drivers every day. Whether it’s a flat tire, engine trouble, or a sudden loss of power, the most important thing is how you respond in the moment. High-speed traffic, low visibility, and limited space can all make roadside breakdowns dangerous, especially if you’re unsure of what steps to take next.
That’s why every driver should know the basic procedures for staying safe and getting help. Remaining calm is crucial, but so is acting quickly and making smart decisions. With a little preparation and awareness, you can protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers until professional help arrives.
Pull Over Safely—Then Stay Put
The moment you realize something’s wrong with your vehicle, your priority should be to move out of traffic as smoothly as possible. Signal early, reduce your speed gradually, and aim for the right shoulder of the road or an emergency turnout. Try to coast to a complete stop without braking suddenly—this gives the cars behind you time to react.
If you can’t get off the road, make it your goal to get as far from the active lane as possible. Pulling to the left shoulder on multi-lane highways is an option, but it’s not ideal since that lane is typically reserved for high-speed travel and emergency vehicles. If you’re on a bridge or near a curve, keep moving slowly until you find a safer place.
Once stopped, turn on your hazard lights right away. This alerts drivers to your presence and can reduce the chances of being hit. If it’s dark, use your interior dome light as well. According to AAA, using hazard lights and keeping the vehicle visible can significantly reduce roadside accidents caused by breakdowns.
Stay Inside and Stay Aware
It might seem natural to get out and inspect the problem, but unless you’re well away from traffic, it’s usually safer to stay inside your car. Highways are high-risk zones, especially at night or during poor weather. Stepping out, even briefly, can be dangerous if you’re not fully aware of oncoming traffic.
Keep your seatbelt fastened, especially if your car is stopped close to the roadway. Roll down the window slightly if you need fresh air or to communicate with emergency personnel. If you’re driving with passengers, remind them to remain still and calm—this is not the time for everyone to exit and stand on the shoulder.
If you absolutely must get out—for example, to place warning triangles or flares—exit through the passenger-side door and never turn your back to traffic. Place any warning devices several feet behind the vehicle to give drivers extra time to react. As emphasized by Consumer Reports, maintaining visibility and remaining inside the car are among the most effective ways to stay protected during highway breakdowns.
Call for Help Immediately
Once you’re safely stopped and your hazard lights are on, contact a towing or roadside assistance provider right away. Even if you’re unsure of the problem, it’s better to request help early than to wait and hope the issue resolves itself. If you don’t already have a provider on speed dial, a quick search for reputable companies nearby can help you move your way.
If you’re in the Champaign, IL area, Feldkamps Towing offers 24-hour service and roadside help for vehicles of all types. Their team is trained to handle emergency calls with speed and professionalism, making them a reliable option when you’re in a stressful spot. Whether you need a tow, a tire change, or help with a lockout, having a trusted company like Feldkamps on your side can make a huge difference.
Let the dispatcher know your exact location, what you think the problem is, and how many people are in the vehicle. If your phone’s battery is low, conserve power while you wait by turning off non-essential apps and dimming the screen. It’s a good idea to keep a backup charger or power bank in your glove box just for situations like this.
Use What You Have in Your Vehicle
If you’ve ever questioned the usefulness of an emergency car kit, this is where it really earns its place. Items like reflective triangles, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a basic first aid kit can come in handy while you wait. Some drivers also carry tire sealant, blankets, bottled water, and basic tools for minor roadside issues.
Even something as small as a reflective vest can increase your visibility if you do have to step outside the car. Many kits are affordable and compact enough to fit under a seat or in the trunk. They’re not just for long road trips—urban and suburban drivers can benefit too, especially in winter or high-traffic areas.
Keep your driver’s license, registration, and insurance info easily accessible in case a police officer or tow truck driver needs it. Knowing where everything is can prevent stress from escalating while you’re already dealing with the inconvenience of a breakdown.
Stay Off Your Phone—Except to Update
It’s tempting to scroll, text, or call multiple people while waiting for help, but distractions can lead to missed cues and greater anxiety. Instead, check in once with whoever needs to know where you are—then focus on staying alert. Monitor your surroundings and any unusual activity, especially if you’re pulled over in an unfamiliar area or after dark.
If a stranger offers help, it’s usually best to remain in your vehicle and decline politely through a cracked window. Wait for the professional help you’ve contacted. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to call the non-emergency police number and report your location and concerns.
Prepare Before You Hit the Road
Breakdowns are stressful, but they’re much easier to handle if you’ve done a little planning ahead of time. Make sure your spare tire is in good condition and your car is serviced regularly. Keep roadside assistance contact info in your phone and written down in your vehicle, just in case your battery dies or signal fails.
Download offline maps for areas you frequently travel through, and make it a habit to glance at your fuel level before heading out—even on short drives. A little preparation often makes the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a dangerous or drawn-out emergency.
If you commute often, especially on highways, it may be worth looking into a membership with a towing or roadside service provider. These services are usually affordable and can offer peace of mind when you’re far from home or on a tight schedule.
Final Word: Stay Calm, Stay Safe
A highway breakdown can be stressful, frustrating, and even scary, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. When you know how to respond, you’re less likely to panic and more likely to stay safe. Pull over carefully, stay visible, and get help on the way as soon as you can.
Feldkamps Towing continues to be a trusted name in roadside recovery because it focuses on fast response times and professional service when drivers need it most. Add their number to your phone and consider keeping a few extra tools in your car—just in case.
Being prepared doesn’t mean expecting the worst. It simply means you’re ready to respond confidently if something goes wrong. And when it comes to breaking down on the highway, that confidence can make all the difference.