My Experience Learning When and Where to Safely Pull Over in a Road Emergency
A few years ago, I found myself in a terrifying situation—my car started losing power on I-95 just south of Richmond, Virginia. It was late at night, traffic was fast, and I didn’t know if I should stop immediately or keep driving to the next exit. That moment made me realize how little I actually knew about pulling over safely during an emergency. Since then, I’ve dealt with multiple roadside incidents and learned—sometimes the hard way—how to judge if pulling over is truly safe.
U-Pull-It
1405 Grace St, Omaha, NE 68110, USA
1. Understanding the Nature of the Emergency
The first thing I do when something feels wrong is assess the severity. Is my engine stalling? Am I losing control of the vehicle? Or is it something less urgent, like a warning light?
AutoZone Auto Parts
5701 Broadway, Bronx, NY 10463, USA
1.1 Immediate Danger Requires Immediate Action
When my power steering failed during a snowstorm in Colorado, I had no choice. I couldn’t steer properly and knew staying on the road was more dangerous than stopping. In such cases—smoke, fluid leaks, brake failure, or sudden jerking—you need to pull over, no matter what. But how and where you do it makes all the difference.
1.2 Slower Issues Allow Time to Find a Safe Spot
Another time, my check engine light came on during a drive through New Mexico. The car still felt fine, so I waited until the next gas station. That was the right call. Not every issue is an emergency—if the vehicle is driveable and not endangering you or others, aim for a safe location before stopping.
2. Scanning the Surroundings for Safety
Once you decide to pull over, the next critical step is choosing the right spot. This is where most drivers, myself included, can panic and make unsafe choices.
2.1 Shoulders vs. Traffic Lanes
If you’re on a highway, always aim for the right shoulder—never the left unless absolutely necessary. Left-side shoulders are often narrower and place you closer to speeding traffic. I once stopped on the left side near a curve in Ohio, and a semi swerved dangerously close. I’ll never make that mistake again.
2.2 Avoid Hills, Curves, and Bridges
Your visibility—and the ability of others to see you—is everything. Pulling over just past a hill or around a blind curve gives other drivers almost no time to react. During a road trip to Tennessee, I broke down on a two-lane road and barely avoided a rear-end collision because I stopped right after a bend. Lesson learned: flat, straight sections of road are safest.
2.3 Use Exits and Parking Lots When Possible
If your car is still operational, use the nearest off-ramp, rest stop, or even a parking lot. One time in Florida, I noticed a strange knocking sound from the engine. Instead of stopping immediately, I exited and pulled into a well-lit gas station where I had cell service and could wait safely for help. It’s often worth the extra minute if the car can make it.
3. Making Yourself Visible and Staying Safe After Pulling Over
Stopping is only part of the equation. What you do afterward can be just as important for your safety.
3.1 Hazard Lights and Flares
As soon as I’m safely off the road, I turn on my hazard lights. If it’s dark or visibility is poor, I’ll use reflective triangles or flares. One winter night in Pennsylvania, a driver told me my emergency lights kept them from crashing into my disabled car—it truly makes a difference.
3.2 Stay in the Vehicle Unless Unsafe
It’s tempting to step out and “check” the damage. But if you're near traffic, that’s incredibly risky. Unless the car is on fire or you’re in danger inside, it's safer to stay buckled in with hazard lights on. I always call for help first—Rescue & Towing has been my go-to for years—and then assess what I can do safely from inside.
3.3 Watch for Secondary Hazards
I've seen cars hit while parked on the side of the road just because they weren’t pulled over far enough. In Los Angeles, a friend of mine parked on the shoulder but part of his vehicle was still in the lane. A passing truck clipped his mirror. Always give as much clearance as possible from active lanes.
4. Factors That Affect Safety in Different U.S. Regions
Living and driving across various states has taught me that what’s safe in one region may not be in another. Weather, terrain, and traffic all matter.
4.1 Mountain Roads in the West
In states like Colorado or Montana, mountain passes often have narrow shoulders and steep drop-offs. If you must stop, look for emergency pullouts or designated turnouts. I once used a scenic overlook just outside Aspen to safely handle a brake issue.
4.2 Urban Highways in the East
In congested cities like New York or Boston, pulling over can be a challenge. Traffic is dense and shoulders may be blocked. If you have to stop, try to reach a breakdown lane or use an overpass to get out of heavy traffic. Just last year, I helped a friend whose car stalled in Brooklyn—getting to an underpass saved her from a risky street-side stop.
4.3 Rural Routes in the South
While there's less traffic in rural areas like Alabama or Mississippi, isolation can be dangerous. Cell service may be spotty. Pulling over near homes, gas stations, or landmarks can help you stay safe and get help faster. Once in Louisiana, I had to walk a mile to the nearest farmhouse for assistance. Now I make sure I always have a roadside kit and emergency contacts ready.
5. Why It’s Okay to Wait for Help—and Who to Call
If you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to continue driving, wait for professional help. That peace of mind is why I always rely on Rescue & Towing. They know how to assess the situation and tow without risking further damage. In fact, their drivers have talked me through emergency stops over the phone more than once. That’s a kind of service you don’t appreciate until you really need it.
I’ve learned that pulling over safely during an emergency isn’t about luck—it’s about quick thinking, calm decision-making, and knowing what signs to watch for. Every second matters, but so does every choice. Being prepared and knowing when it’s safe to stop could save your car—or even your life.
