What to Do While Waiting for a Tow Truck
Breaking down on the side of the road is something every driver hopes to avoid, but it happens every day. Whether you've experienced a flat tire, engine failure, dead battery, or been involved in an accident, knowing what to do while waiting for a tow truck can make the situation much safer and less stressful.
At NCT Northern Cross Towing, we have helped thousands of drivers throughout Jerome, Twin Falls, and communities across Southern Idaho over the past 30 years. Our goal is not only to get your vehicle where it needs to go but also to help keep you safe until we arrive.
If you're ever stranded on the road, here are the most important steps to take while waiting for professional towing assistance.
Pull Over to a Safe Location
If your vehicle is still operational, try to move it as far off the roadway as possible.
Look for a safe location such as:
- A wide shoulder
- Parking lot
- Rest area
- Side street
- Emergency pull-off area
Avoid stopping on curves, hills, bridges, or other locations where approaching drivers may have difficulty seeing your vehicle.
If your car cannot be moved safely, stay calm and prepare to make your vehicle as visible as possible.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
Hazard lights are one of the easiest ways to alert other motorists that your vehicle is disabled.
Keep your hazard flashers on until help arrives. They improve visibility during:
- Nighttime
- Rain
- Snow
- Fog
- Heavy traffic
- Low-light conditions
If you have emergency reflective triangles or road flares, use them only if it is safe to exit your vehicle.
Decide Whether to Stay Inside or Exit Your Vehicle
One of the most common questions people ask is whether they should stay inside the vehicle.
The answer depends on where your vehicle is located.
Stay Inside If:
- You're on a busy highway.
- Traffic is moving at high speeds.
- There is very little shoulder space.
- Weather conditions are poor.
- You feel unsafe outside.
Always keep your seatbelt fastened if you're inside the vehicle on a busy roadway.
Exit the Vehicle If:
- You are safely off the road.
- There is no immediate traffic danger.
- Your vehicle could be struck by passing traffic.
- Law enforcement instructs you to leave the vehicle.
Move well away from traffic and stand in a safe location while waiting for the tow truck.
Call a Professional Towing Company
Choosing the right towing company matters.
An experienced towing provider can safely transport your vehicle without causing additional damage and respond quickly during emergencies.
When calling, be prepared to provide:
- Your exact location
- Highway or street name
- Nearest mile marker or intersection
- Vehicle make and model
- Description of the problem
- Whether anyone is injured
- Your destination if known
Providing accurate information helps dispatch send the proper equipment the first time.
Stay Visible
Visibility is especially important after dark or during bad weather.
Wear bright or reflective clothing if possible.
Keep your vehicle lights on if the battery still has power.
Avoid standing directly behind or in front of your vehicle, especially along busy highways where distracted drivers may drift onto the shoulder.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Your phone becomes one of your most valuable tools during a roadside emergency.
Use it to:
- Stay in contact with your towing company
- Share your location
- Contact family
- Call emergency services if necessary
If you have a vehicle charger or portable battery pack, plug your phone in immediately to conserve battery life.
Never Accept Help That Makes You Uncomfortable
While many motorists genuinely want to help, you should always trust your instincts.
If someone stops and you don't feel comfortable:
- Keep your doors locked.
- Crack the window only slightly if necessary.
- Politely decline assistance.
- Let them know professional help is already on the way.
If someone becomes aggressive or suspicious, call 911 immediately.
Gather Important Belongings
While waiting, gather everything you'll need before your vehicle is towed.
This may include:
- Driver's license
- Registration
- Insurance card
- Cell phone charger
- Wallet
- Medications
- Keys
- Personal valuables
- Laptop or work equipment
Although your vehicle will be transported safely, it's always best to remove valuable items beforehand.
Take Photos If There Was an Accident
If your breakdown followed a collision and it is safe to do so, document the scene.
Take photos of:
- Vehicle damage
- License plates
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs
- Surrounding area
These photos can be helpful for insurance claims later.
Don't Attempt Unsafe Repairs
It's tempting to try fixing the problem yourself, but many roadside repairs can become dangerous.
Avoid attempting repairs if:
- Traffic is close by.
- You lack the proper tools.
- The weather is poor.
- You're unsure of the issue.
Simple tasks like changing a tire may seem straightforward, but doing so on a narrow highway shoulder can put you at serious risk.
Professional roadside assistance is often the safest solution.
Be Prepared Before an Emergency Happens
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is to prepare before your next trip.
Consider keeping an emergency kit that includes:
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- First aid kit
- Blanket
- Drinking water
- Phone charger
- Reflective triangles
- Tire pressure gauge
- Basic hand tools
- Gloves
Regular vehicle maintenance also reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
Routine oil changes, battery inspections, tire rotations, and brake checks can prevent many common roadside emergencies.
Why Drivers Throughout Southern Idaho Trust NCT Northern Cross Towing
When your vehicle breaks down, you need more than just a tow truck—you need someone you can trust.
For more than three decades, NCT Northern Cross Towing has built a reputation for dependable, professional service throughout Jerome and the surrounding 250-mile service area.
Our experienced team provides:
- Local towing
- Long-distance towing
- Emergency towing
- Light-duty towing
- Auto transport
- Roadside assistance
We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week because vehicle emergencies don't happen on a schedule.
Our modern equipment is designed to safely transport your vehicle while minimizing the risk of additional damage, and we pride ourselves on providing prompt, courteous service whenever you need us.
Whether you're commuting through Jerome, traveling Interstate 84, or driving anywhere across Southern Idaho, you can count on our experienced professionals to arrive prepared and ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take for a tow truck to arrive?
Response times vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, and call volume. Providing your exact location helps dispatch send assistance as quickly as possible.
Should I stay with my vehicle?
In most situations, yes. However, if your vehicle is in an unsafe location or law enforcement advises you to move, relocate to a safe area away from traffic.
Can a tow truck damage my vehicle?
When proper equipment and towing techniques are used, your vehicle can be transported safely. Choosing an experienced towing company significantly reduces the risk of damage.
What information should I have ready when calling for a tow?
Be prepared with your location, vehicle information, the issue you're experiencing, and your preferred destination if known.
Does NCT Northern Cross Towing provide emergency roadside assistance?
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency towing and roadside assistance throughout Jerome and within approximately a 250-mile service area.
Call NCT Northern Cross Towing Anytime You Need Help
Vehicle breakdowns are never convenient, but knowing what to do while waiting for a tow truck can make the experience much safer. The most important thing is to stay calm, protect yourself from traffic, and call a trusted towing company that can respond quickly.
If you need professional towing, roadside assistance, light-duty towing, long-distance towing, or auto transport in Jerome or anywhere within our 250-mile service area, NCT Northern Cross Towing is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With more than 30 years of experience, modern equipment, and a commitment to outstanding customer service, we're ready to help get you safely back on the road whenever you need us.
