How to Stay Safe During a Roadside Breakdown

Emergency breakdown safety tips

Emergency Breakdown Safety Tips
Every roadside breakdown results in lost time and money. When trucks and drivers are at a standstill, deliveries are delayed, fleets spend more time on a single job, and both parties lose production time. Additionally, driver and equipment safety can become a major concern. Properly training drivers on how to handle breakdown situations is crucial to keeping your assets safe.

6 Things to Do When Fleet Equipment Breaks Down

Breakdowns are never ideal, but if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, don’t panic. You can protect yourself and the vehicle while waiting for assistance. Follow these six tips to stay safe:

1. Get Off the Road
   1. When you notice an issue, find a safe spot to pull over. An emergency breakdown lane or other open area is ideal. Getting the truck off the road ensures traffic can continue normally, minimizes accident risk, and allows roadside assistance to reach you easily.
2. Make Yourself Visible
   1. Once off the road, make sure the truck is visible to other drivers. Turn on hazard lights, activate parking lights, and raise the hood if possible. Place red warning triangles outside only if you can do so safely. These measures alert other drivers to your presence and help assistance find you.
3. Exit the Vehicle Carefully
   1. Exit the vehicle with caution, ideally through the passenger side door to avoid traffic. If you feel unsafe, remain inside with your seat belt on. If the engine is smoking, get as far away from the truck as possible and call 911.
4. Call Roadside Assistance
   1. Call for emergency breakdown service as soon as it’s safe. Provide the dispatcher with details of what happened and your location. Have important numbers and policy information ready. If temperatures are below freezing, call 911 before contacting roadside assistance.
5. Stay Away from the Road
   1. To avoid being hit by passing traffic, remain as far from the road as possible. Stand behind a barrier or move away from the road to stay safe.
6. Wait for Help
   1. Always wait for professional assistance before attempting any repairs. Don’t flag down other vehicles or accept help from passing motorists. Roadside assistance crews have the proper tools and knowledge to get you back on the road safely.

Each breakdown is different, so proceed with caution if you feel unsafe following any of these tips. Notify the police if the situation could be potentially dangerous.

Finding the Best Truck Breakdown Service

To ensure safety during a breakdown, use a reliable emergency roadside service. Look for a company with quick response times, knowledgeable technicians, and service coverage everywhere your fleet travels. Inquire about additional services, invoicing, and what to expect during a roadside event. Researching your options helps you stay calm during a breakdown.

Roadside Assistance from FleetNet America

FleetNet America provides emergency roadside assistance across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico 24/7/365. Our independent contractors, OEMs, and dealers handle any breakdown scenario, including:

• Low fuel
• Flat tire
• Stuck/immobile vehicle
• Dead battery
• Engine trouble

Count on us to get you back on the road faster than anyone else in the industry.
To potentially avoid emergency repairs, consider starting a preventive maintenance (PM) program for your fleet. PM programs help reduce the risk of breakdowns by keeping equipment and components properly serviced. Learn more about PM plans and emergency roadside assistance from FleetNet America at fleetnetamerica.com