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Reforming New Jersey's Automobile Insurance System: Five Years Later

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Roadside Breakdown Tips

Winter weather is a major contributor to vehicle breakdowns and other incidents that leave motorists stranded and in need of help. While it is not possible to prevent the millions of emergency road service situations that will occur, motorists can be ready to react in a safe manner and receive the help they need.

Advance planning and calm decision-making are the keys to successfully reacting to roadside emergency situations. In addition to monitoring weather reports, adjusting driving styles to road conditions and keeping vehicles in top operating condition, motorists should keep the following points in mind when driving:

Always note your vehicle's location - Be aware of landmarks, street names (including cross streets), specific addresses and highway numbers and exits. This information is important when summoning assistance, or confirming your location to an operator. Wireless location technologies available in some vehicles don't always work in remote areas, and in-car systems may be useless if the vehicle experiences electrical failure or it becomes necessary to exit the vehicle for a place of greater safety.
Assess your vehicles operating problem - Watch for warning lights on the instrument panel and listen for odd noises, or a change in vehicle handling characteristics. Check the fuel, temperature and oil pressure gauges. Any information you can provide about what might be wrong with your vehicle will assist an emergency road service operator in sending the right equipment.
Pull off the road - Immediately switch on the safety/emergency flashers. On most roads, pull on to the far right shoulder as far as possible. If your vehicle has lost power in the roadway, set the emergency brake and place flares or warning triangles well behind the vehicle - while being extremely careful of other traffic. If there is a risk that you or your vehicle could be struck by traffic, leave your vehicle for a place of safety. Get assistance from others before attempting to push a vehicle to a safer location.
Alert other motorists - In addition to using emergency flashers or flares, raise your vehicle's hood and tie a brightly colored handkerchief or scarf to the antenna or door handle to signal the need for assistance.

After making every effort to ensure safety for themselves, fellow passengers and other traffic, motorists should:

Communicate the situation - Call a trusted friend, family member or motor club for help. Make the call from inside your vehicle, if this is the safest place and a cellular telephone is available. Carefully leave the vehicle to make the call, if it is not safe to remain in the vehicle.
Remain with the vehicle - Generally, it is safest to remain with the vehicle until a law enforcement officer or tow truck operator arrives. If a cellular telephone is not available - or it is not operable - do not accept a ride from a stranger. Instead, carefully walk to a nearby public phone, get the attention of a law enforcement officer or ask another motorist to make a call for you.