Midnight Rescue: How To Make It Through A Late-Night Tow

Getting stuck on the side of the road is always a stressful event, but it can especially harrowing when you suffer a breakdown in the middle of the night. Luckily, making it through a situation like this doesn't have to be challenging. With a little knowledge and preparation, you'll have no trouble making it through any even the most frightening of breakdowns.

Once you've called for a tow, follow the three below any time you find yourself broken down at night or in unfamiliar surroundings.

1. Get in Touch With Someone

Before doing anything else, always inform a friend or relative of your location. As long as you are safe and the situation is not an emergency, this should be your first call. If possible, keep your contact updated with your current situation, such as how long you expect to be waiting for a tow truck to arrive and where you will be having your vehicle towed.

Although it may seem like overkill, keeping someone close to you informed can help to make the situation less stressful and much safer. If possible, ask that person to check on you occasionally as you wait.

2. Stay With Your Car

Getting out of your car near the side of the road can be dangerous at any time, but it can be especially hazardous late at night. If it is safe to do so, always stay with your car while you wait for a tow. Leave your lights and your hazard lights on as you wait, both to make it easier for the tow driver to find you and to alert other cars to your presence.

If you have warning triangles or flares in your vehicle, then it may be a good idea to place them behind your car. Spread them out in 20-30 foot intervals to provide sufficient warning to other drivers. Note that you should only place warning flares if it is safe to do so! If traffic is heavy or you are stuck on the highway, then it is often safer to remain inside your car.

3. Decline Help

Although it can be tempting to accept help from good Samaritans, you should decline assistance if anyone pulls over to offer you aid. In these situations, keep your doors lock and roll your window down partially to inform the other motorist that help is already on the way. Most people only have good intentions, but it's always safer to rely on help only from the 24-hour towing service that you called.

Visit a site like http://www.cctow.com/ for more help and information.