Breaking down on the highway can be one of the most stressful driving experiences. Fast-moving traffic, limited space, and the noise of passing vehicles make it hard to think clearly. But knowing what to do—and how to request a tow truck safely—can turn a tense situation into a controlled one. Whether you’ve got a flat tyre, engine trouble, or an empty fuel tank, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle it.
Get to Safety First
Before you even think about making a call, move your vehicle to a safe spot if possible. Turn on your hazard lights and carefully steer towards the shoulder or emergency lane. Avoid stopping near bends, bridges, or narrow lanes.
If your car won’t move, keep your seatbelt on, turn on the hazards, and call for help immediately. Never stand behind or in front of your car on a highway—it’s far too risky.
If it’s dark, switch on your interior light to make yourself more visible to passing vehicles and roadside crews.
Make Yourself Visible
Safety is all about visibility. Once you’ve stopped, place your warning triangle about 50 to 100 metres behind your car (if it’s safe to do so). This gives oncoming drivers plenty of time to react.
If you’re wearing bright clothing or have a reflective vest in your car, now’s the time to use it. These simple steps can prevent secondary accidents and help tow truck operators find you faster.
Call for Roadside Assistance or a Tow Truck
Now that you’re in a safe position, it’s time to call for help. You have a few options depending on your situation:
- If you’re a member of a roadside assistance program, like RACV or NRMA, call their emergency number directly.
- If not, contact a local towing service—most companies offer 24/7 highway coverage. Search online for “tow truck near me” or use your phone’s map to find nearby operators.
- If you can’t use your phone, look for the nearest emergency roadside phone (usually located every few hundred metres along major highways).
When calling, provide clear details such as:
- Your exact location (look for a kilometre marker or highway exit number)
- The make and model of your vehicle
- The issue you’re facing (flat tyre, engine failure, accident, etc.)
- Whether the car is off the road or blocking traffic
The more details you give, the faster a tow truck can be dispatched.
Stay Inside and Stay Alert
While waiting for the tow truck, stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked. The highway is no place to wander around. Keep your seatbelt on and windows slightly open for ventilation if it’s hot.
If someone stops to offer help, it’s okay to crack your window slightly and thank them, but let them know professional help is already on the way. It’s always better to wait for trained operators who know how to work safely on high-speed roads.
Use GPS or Apps to Speed Up Assistance
Modern towing companies often use GPS tracking to reach stranded drivers faster. If you can, share your live location using your phone’s maps app or the towing company’s mobile platform (many now offer this feature).
Apps like Google Maps and Waze can also display your exact coordinates, which is extremely useful when you’re unsure where you’ve stopped. Just open the app, tap your location, and read the coordinates to the operator over the phone.
Prepare Your Car for Towing
Once the tow truck arrives, follow the operator’s instructions. Remove any personal belongings you’ll need immediately—like your wallet, phone, and important documents. Keep your car keys handy and make sure the vehicle is in neutral with the handbrake released if the operator asks for it.
Professional tow operators are trained to handle all kinds of highway situations, from minor breakdowns to accident recoveries. Let them manage the process—it’s what they do best.
After the Tow
Decide where you’d like your vehicle taken—whether it’s to your home, a nearby repair shop, or a service centre. Most tow companies can also help you contact a mechanic or recommend one if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Be sure to collect a receipt or service report from the tow operator before you leave. It’s helpful for insurance or reimbursement claims later.
A Helpful Tip to Remember
If your car breaks down often or you travel long distances, consider saving the contact of a trusted local towing company in your phone. That way, you won’t waste precious time searching during an emergency.
Having that number ready can make all the difference when you’re stranded miles from home with cars rushing past.
When it comes to highway breakdowns, staying calm, visible, and connected to the right help is what gets you safely off the shoulder and back on your way. A quick, careful call for a tow truck can turn a stressful moment into a manageable one—without risking your safety.
If you are in Somerton, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
Recent Comments