What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down on a Lonely Road | Roadside Assistance Guide

Whether you are a seasoned driver or a newbie, having your vehicle break down out of nowhere is truly a nightmare. What happens when you get stuck in a remote location with no access to immediate help? Read on to find out.

Park at a safe place

Before the panic, it is important to pull over to the left of the road and park your vehicle. Make sure not to block the vehicles following you. Avoid parking on a turn or at a blind spot, and turn on your hazard lights and pop up the car hood. If you have company with you, they should stay inside the car, as being out close to a busy road is not recommended.

Call for HELP

• If you have signed up for a reliable Road Assistance Support like Global Assure’s Roadside Assistance, you can gain round-the-clock support that helps you tackle unexpected vehicle failures. They provide services ranging from Towing Assistance, Key Repairs, Breakdown Support, Flat Tyre Repair, Fuel Delivery, to Accommodation Support, Hospital admission coordination in case of an emergency situation. Click to know more.
• You may reach out to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) helpline number 1033 or call the Toll-free number 1800116062. They provide 24/7 help for emergencies. You can call for a tow truck or a patrol vehicle through the helpline.
• Private parties like your Car manufacturer and car insurance providers also extend. Road Assistance Support. The helpline for the same is usually found on your car windshield, or you can get it online through their apps.
• In unsafe situations, you may call for police and stay inside the car until help arrives.

• Be careful of strangers offering help; if anything looks suspicious, don’t solicit any further communication.
• Share your live location with a family member or a friend and inform them about the incident.
• Turn off the car AC and headlights to save battery in case of an emergency.
• While travelling through remote areas, it is suggested to download an offline map in case you lose connection.
• Always have a spare tire, a working jack, and a torch to survive a breakdown.
• While going on a long ride, carry at least two litres of water and a power bank for backup.

Your safety starts even before you turn on the ignition. Surviving a breakdown is less about the mechanics and more about situation management. It is important to stay calm and responsive at the same time. Waiting for the right kind of assistance is more crucial than falling for the wrong kind of help.

You need to remember only these three things:

Visibility-

Keep your car visible to the help arriving.

Communication-

Composure-

Stay calm and composed; panic may lead to falling for a trap disguised as help. Always be prepared for uncertain situations. Keeping a survival kit and all the necessary contact details available is not just advisable but mandatory for long drives.