While driving though TX, it’s best to familiarize yourself with essential roadside emergency tips which can help you get out of tricky situations. No matter how careful you might be, there is still a possibility that you might encounter an accident on the road, whether it be because of another vehicle or an internal issue with your truck.
Keep these roadside emergency tips for truck drivers in mind:
Get a safe distance away from the road in the event of roadside assistance
If it’s possible for you to get as far away from the road as you can in case of an emergency, you need to do it. You don’t want your truck to suddenly become a huge obstruction in the middle of the road that can cause further accidents. Make sure you’re a good distance away from the road and pulled over to the shoulder before you immediately call for semi truck roadside assistance.
To make yourself extra visible, switch on your hazard lights so your mechanic on call can easily see you. Other bystander drivers can see you as well and remember to steer clear.
Sleep is critical
Driver safety 101 always prioritizes sleep above all. If you’ve been driving for some time, you understand that a full eight hours of sleep before a long trip can spell the difference between you making it safely to your destination and you falling asleep at the wheel.
Of course, driving a truck is a mentally and physically demanding activity. Sometimes circumstances mean that you lack sleep or still feel tired on the road. Pull over and take a fifteen to twenty-minute long power nap if you feel exhausted. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Warn others if you spot trouble
You shouldn’t try to make yourself visible to just the mechanic who’s on their way to help you. In case they’re late or you can’t get a hold of someone immediately, always remain as visible as possible so other drivers may stop to help if they can.
This means making sure that your hazard lights are as visible as they can be, and also putting brightly colored traffic cones around your truck to signal an accident-prone area. Always keep these stored just in case you suddenly need to stop in the middle of the road for assistance.
Carry basic emergency supplies
A kit of basic emergency supplies can help you weather the storm of an accident before help can be safely on their way. Here is a handy list of everything you need to keep on you at all times:
Flashlight
We recommend crank flashlights so you won’t have to worry about changing batteries. This is important in case of a nighttime accident.
First aid kit
Include the following: bandages, sanitizer wipes, alcohol, gauze, and scissors.
Portable power bank
You need your phone to call for help. Keep it charged constantly.
Non-perishable snacks
Dried fruit, mixed nuts, or granola bars are perfect in case it takes a while for help to come.
Blanket
You might be stranded in the middle of a snow storm. Keep warm while waiting for help with a spare blanket.
Water
Water can keep you hydrated and also cool down your truck in case of overheating.
Paperwork
Keep your car registration close as well as a list of several emergency contacts you can turn to in the event of an accident.
It helps to keep all of your emergency items secured in one bag in your truck’s glove compartment or in another similarly secure spot. This way, you won’t have to dig around for long in case you need all your supplies immediately.
Stay put in case you need help
Need a reputable truck repair company in Dallas, TX to keep your needs in check? Feel free to contact us at WTX Truck Repair, LLC. We’re veteran-owned and operated, ready to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We specialize in roadside repair of the following vehicles: semi trucks, trailers, reefer & buses, along with heavy equipment. Thanks to our highly skilled and experienced mechanics, WTX Truck Repair can have you back on the road in no time. Get a quote today.
