How To Stay Safe When Stranded On The Side Of The Road

Winter driving season is coming soon and you should be prepared to summon help in case you are stranded on the side of the road. Here are some ways that you can call for help if your vehicle is disabled.

Have a cell phone and charger in your vehicle at all times. If your provider has a road service plan it is a very wise idea to join. If not consider joining AAA or a similar emergency roadside plan.

If you cannot afford a cell phone then buy an inexpensive portable emergency CB radio. See "How To Use A CB For Emergencies"   

To summon help when stranded you should have an emergency flasher - flashlight combination. Frequently these are available in combinations with a mini air compressor. Set up the emergency flasher at the rear of your vehicle or in the back window and place a red flag, or red object on the car's radio antenna. You can also use road flares or reflectors if no flashing light is available.

Do not leave your car's emergency flashers on so long that they run the battery down. If your car's engine is working run it every half hour for a few minutes to keep the battery charged up.

Keep the hood of your car up to alert passing law enforcement vehicles that you have a problem, even if the problem is not located under the hood.

Remain calm and continue to try to summon help from passing cars.  Do not attempt to walk to safety unless your destination is very close and you are properly dressed for the weather.