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ROADSIDE EMERGENCIES
Each year, nearly 3,000 people die in car accidents on the shoulder or median of the road. Sometimes, these fatal scenarios begin with a simple breakdown that forces the vehicle off the roadway. Learning how to prevent breakdowns and how to protect yourself and your passengers if a breakdown occurs can save your life.
How Do You Know If Something Is Wrong With Your Vehicle
Watch the instrument panel. Your instrument panel gauges indicate engine temperature, fuel and oil levels and other important information. Read your owner's manual to familiarize yourself with all the gauges. Your manual will also indicate what gauge readings are considered "normal" and which signal an emergency situation.
Your instrument panel can't ell you everything. For example, if your car suddenly pulls to one side or if you feel a rumbling or vibration, safely pull off the roadway. You may have a flat tire.
Keep Alert. Your sense of smell, touch, sight or hearing may be the first hint there is a problem. Pay attention to your car while driving. An odd odor, an unusual vibration, the sight of smoke or an unexpected sound can signal trouble.
If There's Something Wrong, Should You Stop or Continue
It really depends on the nature of your problem. To play it safe, any change in your vehicle's steering, braking or acceleration should receive immediate attention. Pull safely to the side of the road onto a smooth, flat shoulder as far off the road as possible.
With less urgent problems, such as an under-inflated tire, a slight shift in a gauge's reading or a blown fuse, it's usually okay to continue cautiously to the closest service station.
How To Pull Over Safely
When you detect a problem and realize you have to pull off the roadway, reduce the distractions inside your vehicle. Turn off the stereo and ask passengers, especially children to remain still and quiet.
Gradually reduce your speed and visually check off-road conditions before choosing where to pull over.
Use your turn signal and not your emergency flashers so other drivers will know you need to get over. When your emergency flashers are on, your blinkers don't work. Check for traffic and when it's clear, move smoothly, one lane at a time from the roadway to the shoulder. Avoid soft shoulders, curbs, uneven areas and curves that will prevent other drivers from seeing you. Don't jerk the wheel or swerve. That could cause your wheels to "catch" on the side of the road.
Even though you are off the roadway, remain extra cautious. Vehicles on the shoulder or median are still at risk for collisions. After you've stopped, turn on your emergency flashers.
If You Get A Flat Tire
Don't panic. Firmly grip the wheel and slowly pull off the road as far as possible. If you're in an unsafe area or on a busy roadway, don't try to change the tire. Drive slowly to a safer place. This may cause damage to your rim, but it's better to risk your rim than risk your life.
Before you jack up the car, put it in reverse if it's a manual or park if it's an automatic. Apply the emergency brake and be sure the jack and care are on solid, level ground. Follow the owner's manual instructions for changing a tire. *Helpful hint: loosen the lug nuts slightly before jacking up your car; the weight of the car will make it easier.
No one should be in a vehicle when a tire is being changed.
How To Signal For Help
Once you're safely off the road, turn on your emergency flashers. If you don't have a cellular phone or CB radio, place a sign in the window "Call Police." If you don't have a "Call Police" sign, carry a marker and piece of paper so you can make your own. Many store-bought sunshades have "Call Police" sign on one side.
In addition, use a handkerchief or bright piece of clothing to signal for help. Attach it to the outside of your car where it can be easily seen, like on an antenna or door handle. If this requires you to exit your vehicle, use the door furthest from the road.
Stay In Your Car While Waiting For Help
Unless there is smoke, the threat of an engine or electrical fire or the possibility of ventilation problems, it's best to stay in your car with the windows up and doors locked. Be patient. Help will arrive. And keep your seat belt fastened while waiting, in case you're stuck by another vehicle. If you experience a breakdown in extreme heat, keep your windows cracked and drink plenty of water. Always carry emergency drinking water in hot weather.
What To Do If A Stranger Approaches
Be on guard. Don't open the doors or windows to communicate. If the person behaves suspiciously, tell them the police are on the way.
If you're offered the use of a portable phone or CB radio, don't accept. Instead, write down the number you need to call and show it to the person through the window (always keep a message pad and pen in your glove compartment).
What You Should Carry In Your Glove Compartment
"Call Police" sign (often found on the back of store-bought sunshades
Bright handkerchief or cloth
Telephone numbers of people to call in an emergency
Pen or marker and a message pad
Flashlight and extra batteries (check batteries often to be sure they work)
Automobile registration
Insurance documents
Copy of health insurance card
What You Should Carry In Your Trunk
Fire Extinguisher - unexpired and securely stored with the correct charge (make sure it's the right type)
Flares or reflective devices (flares burn very hot; use only if you know how to safely light and place them)
Jack and lug wrench (practice using at home following your owner's manual)
Spare tire properly inflated (check often)
Non-perishable, easy-open food items
Flashlight with extra batteries
First Aid Kit
Bottled drinking water
Jumper cables
Blankets
Empty, approved gas container
Umbrella, poncho or raincoat
Items You Need For Traveling In Cold Weather
Be prepared for a cold weather emergency. Stock your vehicle with extra gloves, hats, blankets, a windshield scraper and thermal packs. Also carry salt, sand or calcium chloride and, if you don't have snow tires, tire chains. Practice putting on the tire chains so you know how to use them.
Repairs You Can Make Yourself
There's so much technology in today's vehicles, many repairs can only be made by certified technicians with the proper diagnostic equipment and tools. But there are some minor repairs you may be able to make if you have the right tools and materials. You may be able to change a tire, add oil or coolant, replace a fuse or pour water into the radiator. (Remember to let your engine cool before removing the radiator cap. The hot water in your radiator is under extreme pressure and can cause severe burns. Be patient. It may take more than an hour to cool. All procedures should be done in accordance with your owner's manual.
What You Can Do To Prevent A Breakdown
Every time you drive your vehicle, check the following:
Tires for proper inflation.
Windshield, headlights and taillights should be clean
Survey gauges and warning lights after you have started your car.
As a part of routine maintenance, you should:
Check oil level once a week; change the oil every 3,000 miles.
Check for oil leaks.
Check tires for cuts, nail, stones and proper inflation
Help prevent uneven tire wear; rotate tires ever 5,000 to 6,000 miles. Research shows 90% of tire problems occur in the last 10% of a tire's life.
Make sure the battery and its terminals are clean and corrosion-free.
Check the air filter; replace it if it's dirty.
Check fluid levels for brakes, steering, windshield washer, radiator coolant and automatic transmission.
Make sure the exhaust system has no visible leaks or cracks and the tail pipe is not obstructed.
Carry only securely stored, non-flammable liquids in the trunk. Never carry gasoline.
Before trips, check fluid levels, belts, hoses and clamps. Refill or replace if necessary.
The American Red Cross recommends the following items for a first aid kit:
Sterile adhesive bandages
2" and 4" sterile gauze pads
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Hypoallergenic surgical gloves
Triangular bandages
2" and 3" sterile bandages
Scissors
Tweezers
Mouth barrier
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue depressor
Petroleum jelly
Safety pins
Hand cleansing agent
Sunscreen
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
Cold pack
Blanket
Plastic bags
Flashlight, flares and reflectors
Activated charcoal
Syrup of Ipecac
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