No driver ever expects their vehicle to break down while on the road, but for most vehicles – including truck drivers – it is a possibility. In 2019, Agero found that an average of 69 million vehicles break down on the road in the United States every year. For private individuals, it can mean running late for meetings and the high price of calling a tow truck.
But for truck drivers, it can mean delays in their operations and increased risk of being stuck on a busy road. That’s why it’s important all truck drivers know these safety tips while waiting for roadside assistance to bring them to our truck repair company in Dallas, Texas.
Move Away From Busy Roads
If you’re on a major highway, the best thing to do when you notice something wrong with your truck is to get it out of the way for incoming traffic. Not only can it inconvenience other drivers, but the moderately high-speed limits could lead to a traffic accident if they do not react to your vehicle in time. If you cannot reach an emergency bay in time, park your truck at the side of the road.
Turn Your Hazard Lights On
Turning your hazard lights on makes you more visible (especially at night) to other drivers. It’s also an effective indicator to tell other drivers that you are having issues with your truck, and they should proceed with caution. This is also an effective way to signal to highway patrol and incoming roadside assistance of your location.
Stay Calm Inside The Cab
After pulling your vehicle to the side of the road, do not go outside your cabin unless absolutely necessary. This is particularly true at night, where the area’s lighting conditions may make it difficult for other drivers to see you should you be on the road.
Instead, simply remain calm in your cab, lock your doors, and either wait for highway patrol, a tow truck, or roadside service. Assistance will eventually get to you, so just keep calm and wait for it to arrive.
Keep An Emergency Bag
If you don’t already have one in your cab, prepare an emergency bag filled with essentials. In case of a collision or any accident you may get into, highway patrol may not be quick to respond. That’s why it can be handy to have items such as:
- A first-aid kit
- Water
- Disinfectant wipes
- Tissue
- Flashlight
- Plastic bags
Have An Emergency Number Ready
If you’re driving on a major highway, there’s no guarantee when highway patrol will arrive to assist you. That’s why it can be handy to have the number of a commercial service to provide roadside assistance.
Many may suggest a tow truck company, but this is the more expensive option. The cost of towing is expensive enough, but for most companies this does not include the cost of having your truck repaired. In comparison, opting for a truck repair company that offers roadside assistance means you’re getting the repair where you are. You aren’t paying for towing, and you can go back on the road to continue your drive after your truck is fixed.
Is Your Truck Ready For The Road?
No truck driver ever wants or expects their truck to break down while on the road, but it is a possibility. But with WTX Truck Repair, LLC, we have the proactive and reactive measures to ensure you’re protected either to prevent your truck from breaking down or providing assistance if it does.
Having your truck undergo preventive maintenance stops potential damage and other issues from becoming worse and more costly to repair. Our shops scattered throughout West Texas offer services such as truck maintenance in areas like Dallas, Texas to keep your truck in its best state for as long as possible.
And for those on the road in need of roadside assistance, we’ve got you covered, too. We offer roadside service around the clock for those driving in West Texas. We’ll repair your truck and get it running so you can continue your drive to your destination.
Contact us today at (432) 444-3284 for our 24-hour roadside service assistance, and we’ll get to you as soon as we can.
