A Car Breakdown Handling Guide for Women

Road safety is equally important for men and women, but when it comes to women, they’re more at risk of harassment, hijacking, or even worse, sexual assault and abduction. When a woman is traveling alone, and her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, she is likely to draw more attention toward her than a man would in a similar situation.

If you’re a woman who travels alone frequently and you want to make sure that you’re prepared for any situation, you’ve come to the right place. Apart from calling a reliable towing company for help (which is something you should do right away), this guide on how to handle a car breakdown when you’re alone on the road will help you manage the situation like a pro!

1. Hit the Brakes With Caution

Panicking is completely understandable, but if your car breaks down in the middle of the road, get hold of your nerves and tackle the situation wisely. Instead of slamming on your brakes and bringing your vehicle to an immediate halt, de-accelerate your car slowly and bring it to the side of the road (if the car is still slightly functional). Hitting the brakes abruptly will increase the chances of getting into an accident with the vehicle behind you. Therefore, think wisely and act accordingly.

2. Exit Fast Lane

If your car breaks down on the highway, your first priority should be to exit the fast lane on the left as soon as possible. Vehicles are at a very high speed on the highway, and it would not be easy for them to bring their vehicle to a stop at the right time. This can lead to horrendous accidents. Moving to the right lane, which has been aptly named as the breakdown lane, is the smartest thing to do.

3. Relax

This might sound impractical, but it is as practical as it can get. Losing your wits isn’t going to do you or your vehicle any good. Take a deep breath and relax. This will help you think clearly as to what to do next.

4. Stay Visible

You have to ensure that you’re in a clear view of all the passing cars, especially if it is rainy or dark. Turn your hazard lights and interior dome lights on and set out emergency triangles. Doing so would alert the oncoming traffic that your vehicle is disabled, giving them enough time to slow down.

5. Evaluate the Extent of the Problem

Evaluate the extent of the problem and see if you can fix it on your own. There are some problems that you can deal with yourself like a flat tire. However, if the problem is beyond your understanding, you should call for help. Having the contact of a reliable towing company on your mobile is a proactive measure that everyone should take. A reliable towing company will come to your rescue no matter where you are stuck.

Summary

Car breakdowns are frustrating and even scary for many women. However, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, the key is to stay put and call a reliable towing company for help immediately.