Breaking down on the side of the road is never convenient, but it can be downright scary when it happens on a busy Oklahoma highway. Every day, tow truck drivers like me at OK! Towing Company respond to stranded motorists in potentially hazardous situations. Too often, we arrive on the scene of secondary crashes caused by distracted or reckless drivers passing by.
As the one calling for help or just passing through, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of traffic and lose focus on the very real risks at a roadside assistance call. But by taking a few simple precautions, all of us – the stranded drivers, tow operators, and passersby – can work as a team to look out for each other’s safety.
Read on for our top tips on creating a safer environment when car troubles strike in high-risk areas. Staying alert could make the difference between a close call and a tragedy.
For the Stranded Vehicle’s Occupants: Your Safety Checklist
The moments following a vehicle breakdown can be chaotic. As the driver or a passenger in a stranded vehicle, there are immediate steps you can take to ensure your safety and prepare for the arrival of roadside assistance.
- Stay Calm and Assess the Situation:
First and foremost, remain calm. Panic can lead to poor decisions. If your car is still operational, guide it to the shoulder, away from the flow of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately—this is your first line of defense to alert other drivers. - Stay Inside and Buckled Up:
It may seem counterintuitive, but often the safest place is inside your vehicle with the seat belts fastened, particularly on a high-speed highway where exiting the car can put you at risk of oncoming traffic. - Communicate Clearly:
Once you’ve called for roadside assistance, provide clear details about your location, your vehicle type, and the nature of the breakdown. This information is crucial for a swift and safe service.
From the Tow Truck Operator’s Perspective: Ensuring a Secure Workspace
Tow truck operators are the first responders to an accident or broken down vehicle of the roadway. When we arrive at the scene, our primary focus is to secure the area and provide assistance as safely and efficiently as possible.
With safety being top-of-mind, here’s the protocols and on-scene strategies our operators employ to ensure a secure workspace and a safe interaction with the stranded vehicle and its occupants.
- Arrival and Assessment:
Upon arrival, we quickly assess the situation, positioning our tow truck to protect the scene and to alert oncoming traffic, using cones and flares when necessary. - Safe Interaction:
Our operators approach your vehicle from the passenger side to minimize the risk of being close to traffic. We communicate with you through the window until it’s safe to step out, if needed. - Efficient Service:
Time is of the essence. The faster we can safely secure your vehicle, the less risk there is to all parties involved. We’re trained to work quickly and effectively to minimize time spent on the roadside.
Shipping another vehicle on the bed of tow truck, may sounds simple enough – but doing it safely and efficiently takes skill. Here’s how we do it day in and day out…
For the Other Drivers: Your Role in Roadside Safety
Every driver on the road has a responsibility to contribute to a safe environment, especially when approaching a roadside assistance scene. Here, we discuss the actions that you, as a passing driver, can take to maintain safety. We’ll cover the importance of vigilance, the “Move Over” law, and the need to provide space for the safety of all.
1. Stay Alert:
Distracted driving is a major hazard. Keep an eye out for hazard lights, flares, or cones that indicate a roadside situation ahead.
2. Move Over:
Oklahoma’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to move over a lane when passing a stopped emergency, law enforcement, or service vehicle. If you can’t move over safely, slow down significantly.
3. Give Space:
Even if you can’t change lanes, provide as much room as possible. This is not just courteous; it’s a buffer zone for safety.
When the Police Are Involved: The Extra Layer of Safety
Police involvement can escalate the level of security during a roadside assistance call. This section will delve into the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement officers in such situations, how they enhance scene safety, and facilitate the smooth handling of accidents or complex breakdowns.
1. Scene Security:
Police may arrive to secure larger or more hazardous breakdown scenes. Their presence is a deterrent against rubbernecking and can help control the flow of traffic.
2. Accident Documentation:
In the case of an accident, police play a crucial role in documenting the scene and gathering statements, which is vital for insurance claims.
3. Additional Support:
Sometimes, police can provide support until our tow truck arrives, ensuring that you’re not alone in a vulnerable situation.
In every scenario, the central theme is safety. At OK! Towing Company, we have a protocol that ensures the safety of everyone involved:
Before the Tow Truck Arrives:
Your safety is our concern even before we arrive. This part of the guide will instruct you on how to signal for help correctly and ensure that you and your vehicle are in a safe position while waiting for assistance.
- Stay Inside Your Vehicle: If you’re in a safe location, stay put until help arrives.
- Communicate: Use your phone to communicate with our dispatch team, providing updates as needed.
Upon Our Arrival:
Trust is key in a breakdown situation. We will explain how our tow truck operators secure the scene and guide you through the process, ensuring that your vehicle is handled safely and you understand each step.
- Let Us Take the Lead: Our operators are trained for these situations. Follow their instructions carefully.
- Secure Personal Items: Before your car is towed, make sure to take all personal belongings with you.
After the Service:
The journey doesn’t end with a tow. In this section, we discuss the post-service steps, including safety checks and follow-up measures, to guarantee that you’re not just towed, but also cared for until you’re ready for the next leg of your journey.
- Safety Follow-Up: We’ll ensure you have a safe way to your next destination, whether it’s arranging a ride or following you to the nearest safe location.
Trust OK! Towing Company for your Roadside Assistance needs in Oklahoma City
In closing, a breakdown on the highway doesn’t have to be a disaster. With the right knowledge and a calm approach, we can work together to ensure that everyone stays safe.
At OK! Towing Company, we’re not just here to tow your vehicle; we’re here to uphold a commitment to safety for all of Oklahoma City’s drivers. Remember, the next time you see a vehicle on the side of the road, it’s a situation that demands attention and care from all of us on the highway. Call us today at (405) 449-8100 for a no-hassle free quote.
