How to Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow Truck

Posted on Feb. 3rd, 2025

Breaking down on the road is never part of the plan, but it happens. Whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tire, or an engine failure, you’ll likely need a tow truck to get moving again. But what you do while you wait can make a big difference in keeping yourself and your vehicle safe. From choosing the right spot to park to staying alert to your surroundings, taking the right steps can help prevent further trouble. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to stay safe while waiting for a tow truck, so you can handle the situation with confidence.

Find a Safe Place to Stop

The moment you realize your car isn’t cooperating, your priority should be getting off the road safely. If possible, steer toward the nearest shoulder, parking lot, or rest area to avoid blocking traffic. Staying in the middle of the road is dangerous—not just for you but for other drivers as well. If you’re on a highway and can make it to an exit, do so carefully. The more distance you can put between your vehicle and passing traffic, the better.

If you have no choice but to stop on the side of the road, try to pull as far over as possible. Keep your wheels turned away from the road to prevent your car from rolling into traffic if hit. Never stop on a blind curve, a hill, or a narrow lane where other drivers may not see you in time. If your car is completely disabled in a live lane of traffic, stay inside with your seatbelt on and call for help immediately. Safety should always come first.

Turn On Hazard Lights Immediately

The moment you realize there’s an issue with your car, turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers that something is wrong and lets them know to give you space. Flashing lights are especially important at night or during bad weather when visibility is low. The sooner you signal to others that your vehicle is out of commission, the lower the risk of an accident.

If it’s safe to step out, you can use additional safety measures like reflective triangles or road flares. These provide extra visibility and warning for oncoming traffic. Place them at least 10 to 15 feet behind your vehicle to give drivers enough time to react. The goal is to make your vehicle as noticeable as possible while keeping a safe distance from traffic.

Stay Inside Your Car If It’s Safe

When you’re stuck on the side of the road, your car is often the safest place to be. Unless there’s smoke, fire, or another immediate danger, it’s best to stay inside with the doors locked. Standing too close to the road puts you at risk of being hit by passing vehicles, especially on highways where cars are moving fast.

If you do need to step out—maybe to set up safety markers or check on a flat tire—always exit from the passenger side away from traffic. Keep movements minimal and avoid wandering too far from your car. If you’re on a busy road, staying in your locked car with your seatbelt on is usually the smartest move while waiting for a tow truck to arrive.

Be Cautious When Accepting Help

It’s not uncommon for well-meaning strangers to stop and offer assistance, but it’s important to be careful. While some people genuinely want to help, others may have bad intentions or lack the skills to assist safely. If someone pulls over, roll your window down slightly and let them know that help is already on the way.

If they insist on helping, politely decline unless it’s an absolute emergency. Even if someone offers to tow your car with a personal vehicle, it’s safer to wait for a professional. Untrained towing attempts can lead to damage or accidents, making the situation even worse. Trusting a licensed tow truck operator ensures your vehicle gets handled the right way.

Stay Off Your Phone—But Keep It Close

Your phone is your lifeline in situations like this, so use it wisely. After calling for a tow, keep your battery charged by avoiding unnecessary calls, apps, or streaming. If you have a charger in the car, plug it in to ensure you don’t lose power before help arrives. A fully charged phone allows you to communicate updates, check your GPS, or call for assistance if needed.

However, avoid scrolling endlessly or getting distracted while you wait. You need to stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you're parked in a dimly lit area. If your phone battery is low, consider turning on low power mode or limiting use to essential calls and texts. Keeping your phone accessible without being glued to it can help you stay both connected and alert.

Verify the Tow Truck Before Approaching

Once your tow truck arrives, double-check that it’s the right one before stepping out of your car. Scammers sometimes pose as tow drivers to take advantage of stranded motorists, so always confirm the details before allowing anyone to handle your vehicle. A legitimate tow company will have clearly marked trucks and identification for their driver.

If you called Orlando’s Towing, make sure the truck matches the company’s branding and that the driver confirms your request. If something feels off or they can’t provide details about your call, don’t be afraid to stay inside and call the company back for verification. It’s always better to be extra cautious when dealing with unknown individuals.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

When waiting for a tow truck, it’s a good idea to keep your belongings secure. If you have valuable items like wallets, purses, or electronics, tuck them away in a glove compartment or under a seat. A broken-down car can sometimes attract the wrong kind of attention, and leaving valuables in plain sight may invite trouble.

Once the tow truck arrives, make sure to take any important items with you if you’re leaving your car at a repair shop. While professional tow operators are trustworthy, it’s always best to keep personal belongings with you for peace of mind. A little precaution goes a long way in preventing unwanted surprises later.

Have a Plan for Your Next Steps

Once your tow truck is on the way, start thinking about where your car needs to go. If you already have a trusted mechanic or repair shop, let the tow driver know so they can take your vehicle straight there. If you’re unsure, ask the driver for recommendations—they often know reliable local shops that can handle repairs efficiently.

If you need a ride after your car is towed, arrange transportation in advance. Whether it’s a friend, a rideshare service, or a rental car, having a plan saves time and stress. The last thing you want is to be stranded again once your vehicle is on the tow truck.

Waiting for a tow truck doesn’t have to be stressful if you know how to stay safe and prepared. By pulling over in a secure spot, making yourself visible, staying alert, and verifying your tow service, you can handle the situation with confidence. If you ever find yourself stranded in Gainesville, GA, Orlando’s Towing is here to help. We offer towing, winch services, lockout assistance, jumpstarts, and roadside support when you need it most. Call us at (678) 749-6073, and we’ll get you back on the road in no time!