Stuck on the Side of the Road? Here's What I Did While Waiting for Help
1. The Day My Car Broke Down on a Remote Highway
I'll never forget the day my old Honda Civic gave out on a quiet stretch of Route 66. The engine started smoking, my dash lit up like a Christmas tree, and I had no choice but to pull over. It was over 90 degrees, my phone battery was at 18%, and traffic was minimal. I called roadside assistance and was told the wait would be about 90 minutes. Those 90 minutes taught me more than I expected about staying safe, calm, and productive during a roadside emergency.
California Roadside Service
1426 S Allec St, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
2. Step One: Prioritize Safety Before Anything Else
The very first thing I did was ensure I was safe. I pulled as far off the road as possible, switched on my hazard lights, and popped the hood to signal distress. I placed my emergency reflective triangles about 10 feet behind the car — something I’d picked up at an auto shop months earlier, thinking I’d never use them. Turns out, they’re worth their weight in gold.
If you’re on a busy freeway or the shoulder is narrow, staying in your car with the seatbelt fastened might actually be the safest option. I cracked the windows, locked the doors, and remained alert. If you're in a city or populated area, try to find a nearby gas station or parking lot to pull into instead.
Shell
18525 N Conduit Ave, Queens, NY 11413, USA
3. Communicate Clearly With Roadside Assistance
When I called Rescue & Towing’s hotline, I gave them the following:
- My exact location using GPS coordinates
- A clear description of the issue (engine overheating)
- The make, model, and color of my vehicle
- Any immediate safety concerns
They appreciated the clarity, and it likely sped things up. Always make sure your phone is charged and try to conserve battery after the call. I switched off Wi-Fi, closed apps, and used low-power mode.
4. Stay Visible, But Not Vulnerable
One major tip: make sure your vehicle is visible to other drivers, especially at night or in bad weather. Use your hazard lights, turn on interior lights when dark, and if you have a reflective vest, wear it. However, avoid standing near the car, especially on the traffic-facing side. I stayed in the passenger seat and kept a flashlight ready just in case.
5. Keep Busy and Prepared During the Wait
Waiting can be mentally taxing. Here’s what helped me during those long 90 minutes:
- Stay hydrated: I had a half-full water bottle in the glove compartment. It helped more than I imagined.
- Entertainment: I listened to downloaded podcasts to stay calm and pass the time.
- Review car documents: I double-checked my insurance card and vehicle registration in case the tow driver needed it.
- Quick safety check: I made sure my valuables were secured in case I had to leave my car temporarily.
If you're traveling with kids or pets, preparation matters even more. I once helped a friend with two toddlers whose car broke down on a winter highway. Snacks, blankets, and a power bank were lifesavers.
6. Plan for Future Emergencies — Because It Will Happen Again
After that experience, I stocked my trunk with an emergency kit. Here's what’s in mine now:
- First aid kit
- Thermal blankets
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight and batteries
- Multi-tool and duct tape
- Phone charger and power bank
- Granola bars and bottled water
You don’t want to be caught unprepared — trust me, even a simple item like hand sanitizer or wet wipes makes a difference when you're waiting out in the heat or cold. The cost of preparing now is much less than the cost of panicking later.
7. Choose the Right Roadside Assistance Provider
Not all services are created equal. Some providers have faster response times, better coverage, or more affordable plans. After comparing options and going through that breakdown, I now always recommend using Rescue & Towing. They provide a curated list of the best local towing companies across the U.S., making it easy to find help whether you’re in Los Angeles or rural Kentucky.
Always keep your provider’s number saved in your contacts, and check if your insurance offers roadside assistance as part of your policy — many people don’t even realize it’s already included.
8. When Help Arrives: Be Ready and Cooperative
When the tow truck finally arrived, I greeted the driver, confirmed their name and company, and explained the situation clearly. I had my ID and vehicle documents ready. They appreciated the preparation, and I was on the way to the nearest mechanic within minutes.
Pro tip: Ask where they're towing your car to and make sure it’s a reputable repair shop. You don’t want to end up with hidden fees or poor service. Rescue & Towing can help with repair shop suggestions too.
9. Final Thoughts From the Side of the Road
Sitting in a car on the side of the road can be frustrating, stressful, even scary — but being informed makes all the difference. Whether it’s your first breakdown or your fifth, having a plan, staying calm, and using resources like Rescue & Towing can turn a nightmare into a manageable inconvenience. That one day on Route 66 changed how I travel — and I hope my experience helps you prepare for the unexpected.
