Experiencing a vehicle breakdown is stressful for any driver, but it can be especially challenging when it happens unexpectedly on a busy highway or remote road. For those driving semi-trucks, trailers, or other large commercial vehicles, the situation becomes more complex due to the size and weight of the vehicle. Knowing how to handle an emergency breakdown is crucial for ensuring your safety and minimizing downtime. At 10 Down, we understand the challenges that come with breakdowns, and with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to help you navigate these situations effectively and safely.
Move to a Safe Location
The first and most important step in the event of an emergency breakdown is to move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible. If you’re driving a semi-truck or trailer, pulling over to the shoulder of the road or an emergency lane is critical. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you’re experiencing a problem and need space.
If you’re on a busy highway, avoid stopping in areas with reduced visibility, such as curves or blind spots. In some cases, you may not be able to move your vehicle. If this happens, try your best to guide it off the road safely, but only if it’s safe to do so. Your safety should always be your top priority. Stay calm and ensure you’re positioned in a way that doesn’t put yourself, your vehicle, or other road users at further risk.
Make Your Vehicle Visible
Once you’ve moved to the side of the road, the next step is to make your vehicle as visible as possible to other drivers. This is especially important if your breakdown occurs at night, during poor weather conditions, or in a high-traffic area. Along with keeping your hazard lights on, you should deploy reflective triangles or flares if you have them. Place these warning devices behind your vehicle, spacing them out at intervals to give approaching traffic ample time to react.
Semi-truck drivers are legally required to carry reflective triangles, and using them is crucial for maintaining road safety. Always position these triangles around 100 feet away from your vehicle to give other drivers enough time to adjust. The more visible you make your vehicle, the less likely you are to be involved in a secondary accident.
Stay Inside the Vehicle (If Safe)
Although it might seem natural to exit your vehicle after a breakdown, it’s often safer to stay inside, especially if you’re on a busy highway or in a dangerous location. Stepping outside your vehicle can expose you to moving traffic, which is particularly hazardous on narrow roads or in poor visibility conditions.
If you need to exit the vehicle to set up warning devices or inspect the problem, always do so with extreme caution. Keep your seatbelt fastened while inside, and remain alert to surrounding traffic. It’s important to stay inside your vehicle unless the situation demands otherwise, such as in the case of smoke, fire, or an unsafe environment. In these cases, exit the vehicle and move to a safe distance until help arrives.
Call for Professional Help
After ensuring your safety and making your vehicle visible to others, your next step is to contact a professional for assistance. When it comes to commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and trailers, you’ll want to work with a service provider that specializes in large vehicles. 10 Down has over 40 years of experience handling breakdowns and repairs for commercial trucks, trailers, and diesel-fueled vehicles.
You can rely on us when you need help most. Our certified technicians will assess the situation and provide fast, effective solutions to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. If you have roadside assistance through your company or insurance provider, contact them immediately to dispatch help. Be ready to provide your location, a description of your vehicle, and details about the issue. Depending on the situation, roadside repairs may be possible, or a tow to a nearby service shop might be necessary.
Stay Calm and Plan Ahead
While breakdowns are never convenient, staying calm and following a clear plan can make the situation easier to handle. Part of this plan involves being prepared before you hit the road. Carrying essential tools and safety equipment, such as reflective triangles, a basic tool kit, and emergency supplies, ensures you’re ready for any unexpected issues.
Having a list of professional service providers, like 10 Down, can make a big difference. Knowing who to contact when you need help reduces stress and ensures you receive prompt, professional assistance. It’s also a good idea to perform regular vehicle inspections and preventative maintenance to avoid breakdowns before they occur.
Trust 10 Down for Expert Help
Handling an emergency breakdown can be overwhelming, but by following the right steps, you can protect yourself, your vehicle, and others on the road. Moving to a safe location, making your vehicle visible, staying inside when possible, calling for professional help, and staying calm are all critical actions that can make a tough situation more manageable.
If you need expert repair or maintenance services for your semi-truck, trailer, or diesel vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact 10 Down. With over 40 years of experience, our certified technicians are equipped to provide the quality service you need to get back on the road safely. Call us at 217.422.7179 today to schedule your next service and ensure your vehicle is in top condition for every journey.