Accidents and car troubles are daily occurrences on the highway. When either happens on a dangerous section of the road, the only way to avoid an unfortunate incident is to call a roadside assistance company. However, emergency towing can be tricky; with such a short window of time to conduct the operation, anything can go wrong. As such, it takes great care and professionalism on the part of the towing service to avoid danger. Here are four critical steps to take on your part to ensure an emergency tow goes smoothly.
Provide Clear Directions to Your Location
If your car breaks down, the first step is to provide the tow company with clear and concise directions to your location. This may sound like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how often people make this mistake. In the heat of the moment, it is easy to forget small details or mix up street names. So, take a deep breath and give the driver the information they need. Also, you need to tell the tow truck driver where you want the car to go once hooked up. This will help save time and avoid confusion before the tow truck arrives and during the tow.
Display the Relevant Lights and Signals
Once you’ve parked your broken-down car on the side of the road, you need to make it visible to oncoming traffic. Do this by turning on your hazard and brake lights and setting up flares or reflectors around your vehicle. Remember to display a reflective triangle (or similar) as well. It will help the tow truck driver spot you from a distance and provide a warning for other drivers. It will also allow oncoming traffic to spot you well in advance and proceed with caution.
Make Sure the Tow Company Uses the Right Equipment
The type of tow vehicle used goes a long way in determining the safety of the process. It must be the right fit for the job and adequately equipped. A heavy-duty towing truck is needed for larger vehicles, while a smaller one, like a tow dolly, will be more suitable for smaller cars. Everything used to secure the vehicle should be present, including the straps, chains, and binders. And if you’re towing a trailer, the towing vehicle must be able to handle that as well. The equipment should also be in good condition and properly maintained to help avoid any accidents or mishaps during the tow.
Get the Vehicle Safely Secured
Before the tow operator starts towing your vehicle, they must ensure it’s appropriately secured. When the car is hooked up to the truck, it should not budge. Don’t be afraid to mention your concerns to the driver. The last thing you want is for your car to come detached from the truck in the middle of the highway. You also want to keep a safe distance from the towing vehicle while in motion should something go wrong.
When Do You Call an Emergency Towing Service?
There are a few key situations when you should call for emergency help. Some of these include:
Car Accidents
If you’ve been in a car accident, it is always best to call for urgent roadside assistance. This will ensure that your vehicle is safely removed from the road and avoid further accidents.
Breakdowns
If your car has broken down and you’re unable to move it, it’s time for urgent roadside assistance. This is especially true when it happens in a remote area or at odd night hours.
Tire Blowouts
Punctures can happen at the most inopportune moments. If you have a tire blowout, it is best to call an emergency towing service. It will help avoid any accidents and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
What Information Should You Give the Towing Company?
When you call for urgent roadside assistance, you will need to give the tow company some basic information. This includes:
Your Location
This is the most critical information as it will help the tow truck operator find you. If you’re on the side of the road, give them your mile marker. If you’re in a parking lot, provide them with the address or closest intersection.
The Nature Of the Problem
This will help the tow truck driver know what equipment to bring, whether it is an accident, a tire change, a jump start, or something else entirely.
Your Car’s Make, Model, and Year
Different equipment is needed for different types of towing, and it’s essential to have everyone on the same page. This is important so that the tow company can bring the right equipment. For example, you can’t use a small tow truck to move a large SUV.
Any Special Instructions
If you have any specific instructions or requirements (like wanting the car towed to a specific repair shop), be sure to mention them to the tow truck company. This will help avoid any confusion and ensure that the dispatch team understands your situation.
Your Insurance Information
In case of an accident, you must have your insurance information ready. This will help the truck driver file a claim and start the process. Your tow company may work directly with your insurance company to make sure your claim is processed quickly.
A Contact Number
You need to provide a way for the tow truck company to get in touch with you, whether that be your phone number or that of a friend or family member. This will come in handy if the truck driver has trouble finding your location.
Bottom Line
Emergency tows can be a risky affair, especially when handled carelessly. That’s why it is crucial to take the necessary precautions and follow these four simple steps to ensure a safe and smooth tow, no matter what car trouble you find yourself in. If you ever need to call for emergency roadside assistance in West Linn, don’t forget to contact Speed’s Towing. Our friendly team offers 24/7 emergency towing service for all kinds of situations. When you’re in a bad situation, you don’t need anything else to worry about; let your tow company take it from here. Give us a call today!
Here are some of our related services:
- Expert towing services
- Emergency roadside services
- Roadside services
- Recovery of vehicles
- Light and medium-duty trucks
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