It's a frustrating and scary experience to get stuck on the side of the road and wonder what you should do next. You might be tempted to try to change your tire or jump-start your car, but that could lead to injuries, expensive repairs, or even death if done incorrectly! Here are some tips for staying safe while waiting for a tow truck.

1. Get Off the Road

Staying on the road where you got stuck is dangerous for several reasons. For one thing, other vehicles might crash into your car and cause further damage, in addition to the damage your vehicle already has. More importantly, your car could start moving again when another vehicle hits it, which would cause an even worse accident or injury! It's much more advisable to stay off the road.

2. Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Hazard lights will make your vehicle more visible, especially if you are parked by the side of a dark road at night or in low visibility conditions. Ensure that your headlights are also turned on so passing drivers can see your vehicle.

3. Stay Warm

It can be very cold at night, especially if you're waiting for a tow truck. If your car is actually running, then using the heat or air conditioning is advisable. If it's not running, then you should stay warm by tucking into the seat as much as possible and wearing warm clothes. A blanket will also do just fine if you don't have anything else.

4. Keep Your Phone Charged

While you're waiting for the tow truck, it's important to keep your phone charged. Stay near your car and use it only in an emergency; using too much of its battery could mean that you won't be able to call anyone if something goes wrong.

5. Be Patient

It can take a long time to get a tow truck, especially if the weather is bad. Put on some music or entertain yourself with your smartphone, but try not to use your phone's screen as much as possible. If you can't charge it normally (if your car is turned off), limit yourself to taking only very important calls.

Always Call an Emergency Tow Truck Service as Soon as Possible

When you're stuck on the side of the road, your emergency tow truck service should be one of your first calls. Make sure to provide the dispatcher with as many details as possible about where you are and what kind of emergency situation necessitated your call. The sooner you make the call, the sooner a professional emergency tow truck service can come to the rescue.

According to market researcher IBISWorld, the towing business is worth about $8 billion in the United States each year, and that figure is anticipated to rise by 11% in 2021. The demand for emergency tow trucks will only increase over time, and it's important to be well-educated about what to do if you need one.