Severe Weather Towing: How to Handle Roadside Assistance During Extreme Conditions
Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snowstorms, or flash floods, can cause a host of challenges for drivers. The road becomes treacherous, vehicles are at higher risk of breaking down, and accidents are more frequent. When your vehicle gets stranded or damaged in severe weather, understanding the best practices for towing and roadside assistance is crucial. Knowing what steps to take before, during, and after the storm can help ensure both your safety and the protection of your vehicle.
United Towing Service Inc.
26170 Adams Ave, Murrieta, CA 92562, USA
1. The Impact of Severe Weather on Road Conditions
Severe weather can dramatically alter road conditions, making it more dangerous to drive and increasing the likelihood of vehicle breakdowns. Understanding how different types of severe weather affect the road and your car can help you prepare for what to do if you find yourself in trouble.
J & J Towing
4560 N Webster Ave, Perris, CA 92571, USA
1.1 Snow and Ice
Snow and ice can cause a host of issues for drivers. Slick roads can lead to loss of control, and vehicles are more prone to skidding or getting stuck. Ice can build up on windshields, making it difficult to see, and tires lose traction, making it hard to maintain proper control. In these conditions, your car might get stuck or experience mechanical issues that require emergency towing services. Snowplows may take time to clear the roads, so your car may be stranded for longer than expected.
1.2 Rain and Flooding
Heavy rain is another dangerous weather condition. As the rain accumulates, roads can become flooded, causing vehicles to hydroplane or stall. Low-lying areas often flood first, creating dangerous situations for drivers. Once the water level rises, cars can become stuck or damaged by water, leading to the need for towing services. Flooded roads can be tricky to navigate, and in extreme cases, can render areas impassable, requiring emergency towing assistance to get to safety.
1.3 High Winds and Storms
High winds and severe storms can cause debris to fall onto the road, such as trees, branches, and even power lines. These hazards can lead to accidents or damage to vehicles. If a driver encounters such obstacles or if the vehicle becomes disabled during a storm, professional towing services are necessary to clear the vehicle and ensure it is safely transported to a secure location. In severe storm conditions, visibility can drop drastically, making it difficult to navigate safely.
2. Preparing for Severe Weather: Preventative Measures
One of the best ways to avoid being stranded in severe weather is by preparing ahead of time. Taking proactive steps can help minimize the risk of needing emergency towing and ensure that you're ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
2.1 Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Maintaining your vehicle is one of the most important ways to reduce the chances of an emergency breakdown. Regularly check your tires to ensure they have good tread for wet or slippery conditions. Ensure that your brakes are functioning properly, as stopping distances can be longer in severe weather. Don't forget to check your battery and fluids, as extreme temperatures can affect a vehicle's performance. A well-maintained vehicle is more likely to handle challenging weather conditions without issue.
2.2 Emergency Kit for Severe Weather
Having an emergency kit in your car is crucial, especially when driving in severe weather. Your kit should include essentials such as blankets, a flashlight, non-perishable food and water, extra clothing, and a first aid kit. Having a battery charger for your phone can be a lifesaver in case you need to contact towing or emergency services. Additionally, a portable shovel and sand or cat litter can help you dig your car out if you get stuck in snow or mud.
2.3 Stay Informed
Before heading out, it’s important to check the weather forecast. Knowing whether severe weather is expected allows you to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel. Many modern cars now come equipped with real-time weather updates and safety alerts. Use this information to determine the safest routes and if you should postpone or cancel your travel plans altogether.
3. What to Do When You Need Towing Services in Severe Weather
Despite all precautions, sometimes accidents or breakdowns are unavoidable. Knowing how to respond when your vehicle is stranded or damaged in severe weather can make a huge difference in getting the help you need quickly and safely.
3.1 Call for Professional Help
If you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle is stuck or damaged in severe weather, it's important to call for professional towing assistance. Many towing companies specialize in responding to emergencies caused by severe weather, and they are equipped with the right tools to safely remove your vehicle from dangerous conditions. It's important to stay calm and provide as much information as possible about your location and the situation you are facing.
3.2 Wait Safely for Assistance
If you've called a towing company, it's essential to wait for help in a safe area. If your vehicle is on the side of the road, make sure to stay inside the car with your seatbelt fastened. If it's unsafe to stay in the car, exit the vehicle and move to a safe location, such as behind a guardrail or away from the road. Turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle visible to other drivers, especially during heavy rain, snow, or fog.
3.3 Provide Clear Instructions for the Towing Service
When the towing company arrives, provide them with all relevant details regarding the condition of your vehicle, the road conditions, and any obstacles that might make the towing process more difficult. The more information you give them, the easier it will be for the towing crew to assist you. If your car has been in an accident, be sure to let the towing company know, as they may need to provide specialized equipment to move your vehicle.
4. The Role of Towing Companies During Severe Weather
During extreme weather, towing companies play an essential role in ensuring the safety of stranded drivers. Their expertise and specialized equipment allow them to recover vehicles from hazardous conditions and provide necessary roadside assistance. Here's how towing services handle different weather-related emergencies:
4.1 Towing Vehicles from Snow and Ice
In snowy or icy conditions, tow trucks equipped with chains or winches are often used to pull stuck vehicles out of deep snow. These vehicles are also often fitted with plows or snow tires to handle slick surfaces. In some cases, towing services may need to use specialized vehicles designed for extreme snow and ice conditions to recover a car that is unable to move on its own.
4.2 Towing from Flooded Roads
Flooded roads present a unique challenge for towing companies, as water levels can rise quickly, making it difficult to assess the situation. Towing vehicles used for flood recovery are often equipped with high-clearance bodies and winches capable of pulling vehicles out of standing water. Additionally, they must take precautions to avoid further water damage to the car and prevent accidents caused by fast-moving floodwaters.
4.3 High Winds and Storm Damage
In areas affected by high winds and storms, towing companies assist by clearing debris and moving vehicles that have been damaged by falling trees or other storm-related hazards. Emergency towing is often needed in these situations to ensure that roads are clear and safe for other drivers. Towing companies may also provide transportation for drivers who have been stranded or whose vehicles are no longer functional after a storm.
5. Real-Life Example: Towing After a Snowstorm
During a heavy snowstorm in December 2019, a couple was driving on a rural highway when their car got stuck in a snowdrift. Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t move the vehicle, and the snow continued to accumulate, making it impossible to free the car. After calling a local towing company, they were quickly assisted by a tow truck with snow chains, which pulled the vehicle out of the drift. The couple was then safely transported to a nearby service station, where they were able to get the car checked for any damage from the extreme conditions.
Severe weather towing services are vital in ensuring that drivers stay safe and receive the assistance they need during extreme conditions. Whether it's snow, rain, or high winds, towing professionals are equipped to handle a variety of emergencies and provide the necessary roadside assistance to get you back on the road safely.
