Highway Breakdown Safety in India: What to Do Before Calling a Tow Truck

If the vehicle still responds normally and there is a clearly reachable shoulder, service lane, lay-by, or exit, indicate early and move there gradually. Avoid sudden steering or hard braking. Stop as far from moving traffic as the available space safely permits and keep the wheels turned away from the carriageway where appropriate.

Do not attempt to move a vehicle with a fire, strong fuel smell, severe wheel damage, loss of steering, or another condition that makes movement unsafe. Switch on hazard lamps immediately. If the vehicle is stopped in a live lane or blind bend, tell emergency services and the road operator the exact hazard before arranging routine assistance.

Choose the safest passenger location based on the scene. When there is a safe exit away from traffic and a protected path to a barrier or other secure place, leave from the side furthest from moving vehicles. Keep children and animals under direct control. Never wait between the disabled vehicle and approaching traffic.

On bridges, narrow shoulders, elevated roads, or other places where leaving the vehicle creates greater danger, keep seat belts fastened and call emergency services for instructions. Do not cross a high-speed carriageway to reach the opposite side.

Keep hazard lamps on if electrical power is available. At night, use parking lights as appropriate. A reflective vest and warning triangle are useful only when they can be deployed without walking into traffic. Placement distances vary by road and local rules, so never risk your safety to place equipment.

A phone torch can help you see while moving to a safe place, but do not point it at drivers. Avoid standing beside the vehicle to wave traffic around. That task belongs to trained traffic or highway personnel with proper warning equipment.

A precise location is more useful than a neighbourhood name. Share a maps pin when data service is available, plus the highway number, travel direction, nearest exit or kilometre marker, and a visible landmark. Tell dispatch if the vehicle is on a flyover, in a tunnel, below an elevated road, or on a restricted-access expressway.

Describe the vehicle type, transmission, drive system if known, approximate weight class, wheel condition, and whether it can roll and steer. Mention collision damage, locked wheels, low ground clearance, an EV battery warning, cargo, or a trailer. These details help the provider select a flatbed, wheel-lift, winch, or heavy-recovery unit.

Ask for the provider or driver name, vehicle registration, estimated arrival window, towing method, destination, and price basis. Confirm whether tolls, parking, night charges, winching, or waiting time are extra. Photograph the vehicle condition and valuables before loading, and remove documents or loose items you do not need to leave inside.

Do not stand on the traffic side during loading. Let the operator control the winch and tie-down area. Before departure, confirm the destination and how you will receive completion or payment records.