Car Breaks Down in Houston
🚨 Safety Guide
What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on Houston Highways: A Complete Safety Guide
Breaking down on a busy Houston highway can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. With over 8,000 miles of roads in the Houston metro area and an average of 200,000+ vehicles traveling on major highways daily, knowing what to do when your car breaks down could save your life and prevent further damage to your vehicle.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about staying safe during a highway breakdown in Houston, from immediate actions to take to how to get help quickly.
⚠️ Emergency First?
If you’re currently broken down and in immediate danger, call us now for emergency towing:
1. Immediate Actions: First 30 Seconds
The first 30 seconds after you realize your car is breaking down are critical for your safety. Here’s exactly what to do:
Turn On Your Hazard Lights Immediately
This alerts other drivers that you’re experiencing problems. Don’t wait until you’re fully stopped—activate them as soon as you notice an issue.
Slow Down Gradually
Don’t slam on your brakes. Gradually reduce speed while maintaining control. Use your turn signal to indicate you’re moving to the shoulder.
Move to the Shoulder (If Possible)
Try to get as far right as safely possible. The goal is to get completely off the travel lanes. Even a few extra feet can make a huge difference for your safety.
Pro Tip
If your car won’t move at all, stay calm. Turn on hazards, call for help immediately, and wait for assistance. Never try to push a disabled vehicle on a busy highway.
2. How to Safely Position Your Vehicle
Where you stop matters. Here’s how to position your vehicle for maximum safety:
DO THIS
- âś“Pull as far right as possible onto the shoulder
- âś“Turn your wheels away from traffic
- âś“Put your vehicle in park (or 1st gear for manual)
- âś“Engage your parking brake
- âś“Keep hazard lights flashing
DON’T DO THIS
- âś—Stop in a travel lane if you can avoid it
- âś—Park on curves or hills where visibility is poor
- âś—Stop under overpasses or bridges
- âś—Leave your vehicle running if it’s smoking
- âś—Park too close to exit/entrance ramps
3. Should You Stay in Your Car or Exit?
This is one of the most important safety decisions you’ll make. The answer depends on your specific situation:
STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE IF:
- You’re on a high-speed highway with heavy traffic (I-10, I-45, I-610, Beltway 8)
- Weather conditions are poor (rain, fog, night)
- You’re on a curve or area with limited visibility
- There’s no safe place to stand away from traffic
- You have children or pets with you
EXIT YOUR VEHICLE IF:
- You see smoke or smell gasoline (fire risk)
- Your car is positioned dangerously in traffic
- There’s a safe barrier or guardrail you can stand behind
- You can safely reach an exit or call box
If exiting: Exit from the passenger side (away from traffic). Move at least 100 feet away and stand behind a barrier if possible.
Need Emergency Towing Now?
Houston Towing provides 24/7 emergency towing with an average response time under 15 minutes.
Conclusion
Breaking down on a Houston highway is stressful, but knowing what to do can keep you safe and get you back on the road quickly. Remember: turn on hazards, get to the shoulder safely, and call for professional help immediately.
At Houston Towing, we understand the urgency and stress of highway breakdowns. Our 24/7 emergency service averages under 15 minutes response time across the Houston metro area. We’re licensed, insured, and committed to your safety.