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Tips for Safe Business Travel: What to do When You Have a Vehicle Breakdown

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Even if your company has a good roadside assistance plan, it’s important to be aware of what you should do in case the vehicle breaks down. While many people have emergency roadside assistance coverage for their personal vehicle, when it comes to business, they don’t think about what will happen when driving a commercial vehicle.

It may not always be possible to call your company for immediate assistance. What happens if you’re 100 miles away from the office? Before heading out the door, employees should find out what to do in case of an emergency. Being prepared before trouble strikes is imperative.

If you find yourself broken down on the side of the road, you’ll want to have a plan in place, including a phone number to call for emergency assistance. In the meantime, be sure and follow these tips that will keep you safe while you wait. Knowing what to do if you breakdown can help ensure that the experience is taken care of as quickly and as smoothly as possible.

  • Be aware of your location. Look for street signs, landmarks or mile markers so that you can describe your exact location when calling for assistance.
  • Get out of traffic if possible. The road’s shoulder, a median or an exit ramp are safer than sitting in the middle of the highway. If the vehicle is completely disabled and can’t be moved, do not stay inside. Instead, leave the hood up and turn your emergency lights on. Move out of the way of traffic as quickly and as safely as possible.
  • Alerting other drivers through use of flares and hazard lights in addition to raising the hood will indicate to other drivers that you need help.
  • If you are able to get to the side of the road, it is better to remain in your vehicle until help arrives. If you feel you may be in a dangerous situation at any point, call your local emergency number, such as 911, immediately.
  • When a breakdown occurs, be sure to take precautions to prevent you from personal harm. If you’re in a bad neighborhood, stay in the car and lock the doors. If the vehicle breaks down in the middle of the road and you cannot get it to the side, do not stay in the vehicle.
  • Call for roadside assistance utilizing your company’s provider. If your company does not have a plan in place, call for emergency assistance and speak with your boss or appropriate contact within your company when you return about getting a commercial roadside assistance plan in place as quickly as possible. Being proactive can potentially save the company thousands of dollars over time.