What to Do Until Help Arrives
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Especially on busy roads and highways. When they do, it’s easy to feel shaken and unsure of what to do next. As we navigate the chaos of an accident, knowing how to stay safe becomes crucial while waiting for I-55 highway towing to arrive. The roar of passing vehicles, the glare of headlights, and the uncertainty of the situation can all make it difficult to think clearly. Taking a few simple steps can make all the difference. Let’s talk about how we can protect ourselves and stay calm until help gets there.
1. Get to a Safe Location
Move to the Side
The first thing we need to do after a highway accident is to get to a safe location. If the vehicle is still drivable, we should move it to the shoulder or as far away from traffic as possible. Stopping in the middle of the highway can cause more accidents. Getting to the side reduces the risk for yourself and others.
Stay Inside the Vehicle When Possible
It might seem safer to exit the vehicle, but that’s not always the case. If traffic is heavy, staying inside the vehicle is often safer. You should lock the doors and keep seat belts fastened. If you do need to exit, you should always do so from the side away from traffic.
2. Make Sure You Are Visible
Turn on Hazard Lights
Once we’re out of the traffic lanes, we should turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights. This alerts other drivers that something is wrong. It helps them slow down and gives them time to react. Keeping your car visible is key to avoiding further danger.
Use Warning Devices
If it’s safe to exit the vehicle, you can set up warning devices like cones, flares, or triangles. These should be placed at least 100 feet behind the vehicle to give approaching drivers enough notice.
3. Communicate with Emergency Services
Call for Help Immediately
You should call 911 right away to report the accident and give your exact location on the highway. It’s important to stay calm and provide all the necessary details. After that, contact the towing company to get an I-55 highway towing operator to your location quickly.
4. Be Prepared for Delays
When an accident happens on the highway, having a well-prepared car can make all the difference, especially since certain weather conditions or heavy traffic can delay help from arriving. Keeping a few essential items on hand can help us stay safe, visible, and comfortable during the wait. Whether it’s signaling other drivers, tending to minor injuries, or staying visible in the dark, these tools are crucial to have within reach while you wait for your I-55 highway towing operator. Here’s a quick checklist of what we should always keep in our vehicles to handle any emergency with confidence.
Essential items to have in the car:
- Emergency contact list
- Flares or reflective triangles
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight
Ives Towing: Your I-55 Highway Towing Specialists
At Ives Towing, we understand how stressful a highway accident can be. When our operators arrive, it’s important to stay calm and communicate clearly. For I-55 highway towing, our team will quickly assess the situation and guide you through the next steps. We’ll make sure to ask about any specific concerns you have, such as where you’d like the vehicle to be taken or any personal belongings that need to be retrieved. While we handle the I-55 highway towing heavy lifting, stay alert and follow any instructions we provide to keep the scene safe. With our experience in I-55 highway towing, we work swiftly to get you back on the road or to a safer location, ensuring minimal disruption to your day.