How to Handle a Roadside Emergency in Sudbury, ON
Not everyone is prepared for roadside emergencies and some might now know how to handle such situations when it occurs since it’s not something that most think about when hitting the road. Although it’s usually possible to be prepared to handle a roadside emergency yourself, in some cases, it’s best to call for help. Continue reading to learn more about the steps for how to handle a roadside emergency and tips for preparing yourself for future emergencies.
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Steps For Handling a Roadside Emergency
In a roadside emergency, you will want to follow these steps, but use your best judgment as every situation can be different and might require a slightly different approach. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Remain Calm and Assess: Do you need to pull over immediately due to a flat tire, smoke coming out of the hood, or do you require medical assistance?
- Pull Over Your Vehicle: It’s best to pull over in an emergency if continuing to drive isn’t possible, but try your best to avoid stopping on a blind curve on highways, turn your hazard lights on, and try to be as far on the shoulder as safely possible.
- Ensure Safety: Assess the situation once you are stopped, if not safe, remain in the vehicle and call for help.
- Take Action: If you are pulled over in a safe space where you can exit the vehicle and you have an emergency kit available, it’s possible to handle the situation yourself if it’s a flat tire that you are comfortable changing.
- Call For Help: If the situation calls for more than you are comfortable handling, stay in the vehicle if it’s safe to do so and call for roadside assistance.
- Let Others Know: Once you have placed a call for roadside assistance, let a family member know of the situation and your whereabouts and provide them with updates on the situation.
Tips For Preparing Yourself For Future Roadside Emergencies
Besides knowing how to handle a situation, you must be prepared to have the resources and equipment necessary to handle a roadside emergency situation. Here are some tips to keep in mind and follow to prepare yourself:
- Sign up for roadside assistance when you begin travelling further away from home.
- Keep your smartphone charged and bring a charging cable into your vehicle.
- Be prepared for adverse weather conditions and check the weather forecast before a trip.
- Prepare an emergency roadside kit, including a car jack, tire iron, jumper cables, portable tire inflator, first-aid kit, non-perishable food, blanket, multi-tool kit, and a small fire extinguisher.
- Maintain your vehicle regularly and have it inspected before longer trips.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and adapt to keep yourself safe.
- Plan your route, let someone know when you leave, and have a plan for foreseeable emergencies.
Contact Us to Upgrade Your Vehicle at Auto Depot Sudbury
Roadside emergencies happen to the best of us, but being prepared can make the difference between being comfortable and handling the situation or experiencing unnecessary stress. However, sometimes having an unreliable vehicle is the actual cause of having a roadside emergency, so skip the hassles of such situations by contacting us at Auto Depot Sudbury to secure a reliable vehicle that will serve you well for many years to come.