How to Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow Truck

When your car starts acting up, the first few seconds are crucial. Where and how you pull over could make the difference between a calm wait and a dangerous situation.

Key roadside safety tips for pulling over:

• Signal early and clearly: Use your turn signals right away. Flash your hazard lights too. It’s your car’s way of shouting, “Hey! I’ve got a problem!”
• Find a flat, visible area: Aim for the shoulder or breakdown lane, ideally well-lit and away from traffic curves or hills.
• Avoid blind spots: If a driver can’t see you, they can’t avoid you. Stay visible and choose a place with a clear line of sight.

Once you’re safely off the road, your next big question is: Should I stay inside the car or get out? The answer isn’t always straightforward, but here’s how to figure it out.

Stay inside the car if:

• You’re on a highway or busy road with fast-moving traffic
• You’re in an unsafe area where exiting the car could put you in harm’s way
• Weather conditions make it dangerous to stand outside
  
  

Get out of the car if:

• You smell smoke or suspect a fire (in that case, get out immediately and move far away)
• You’re parked in a safe area and want to wait somewhere more visible
  

Breakdowns rarely happen at convenient times—and often, that means in the dark. One of the most essential roadside safety tips is visibility. If drivers can’t see you, they can’t avoid you.

Make yourself visible with:

• Hazard Lights: Keep them flashing the entire time you’re pulled over.
• Reflective Triangles or Flares: Set these up behind your vehicle in a straight line, increasing the distance between each one.
• Reflective Clothing: Keep a reflective vest in your trunk. It may not be the height of fashion, but it could save your life.
  
  

Add a flashlight with a strobe setting to your emergency kit. It doubles as a light source and a beacon for your emergency towing service to find you faster.

Yes, you’ve probably already searched “towing near me” and called for help—but don’t stop there. Let someone else know where you are. If your phone has juice, call a friend or family member and give them your location.

What to tell them:

• Your exact location (highway name, mile marker, closest exit)
• Description of your vehicle and the problem
• Who you're waiting for and estimated time of arrival
  
  

This isn't being dramatic—it's being smart. If your phone dies or something changes, someone knows where you were last.



And while you’re at it, avoid chatting on the phone too long. You want to keep that battery alive in case the towing service needs to reach you or delays occur.

We all say we’re going to build an emergency kit. But between work, errands, and binge-watching crime documentaries, it somehow slips the to-do list. It’s time to change that.

What your emergency roadside kit should include:

• First-aid supplies
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Reflective triangles or flares
• Blankets or warm clothing
• Water and non-perishable snacks
• Phone charger (especially a power bank)
• Basic tools and jumper cables
  
  

Throw in a deck of cards or book, too—sometimes the wait for emergency towing services is longer than expected, especially in remote areas.

6. Don’t Flag Down Strangers—Let the Pros Handle It

It might feel natural to wave down the next driver who looks friendly, but this isn't a hitchhiking scene from a 90s movie. Unless your life is in immediate danger, avoid asking strangers for help on the road.

Why? You don’t know who they are—or what their intentions might be. Most modern emergency towing services have everything you need and are trained for roadside situations.

Instead of flagging down strangers:

• Stay near your vehicle
• Lock the doors if you’re inside
• Crack a window if someone approaches, and speak through it
• If you feel unsafe, call the police
  
  

This isn’t paranoia—it’s practical safety. Help is on the way, and you want to be around to greet them when they arrive.

Your Trusted Partner for Safe, Reliable Towing in Corpus Christi, TX

Call the Professionals: Alltex Adjusters Is Always Ready

When you’re broken down and stressed out, the last thing you need is to gamble on unreliable help. At Alltex Adjusters, we specialize in safe, efficient emergency towing services that keep your car—and you—protected. Whether you’ve got a flat tire, engine failure, or something you can’t even pronounce, we’re here to help.

From vehicle repossession to recovery and in-state transportation, we’ve got the experience and equipment to handle it all. Our team understands that every minute matters, and our friendly, professional drivers are trained to ensure you’re never left feeling unsafe or unsure.

Call Alltex Adjusters at 361-884-3274 for reliable towing in Corpus Christi, TX, and the surrounding areas. Your safety is our mission—and we’re always just a phone call away.