Breaking down on the road is stressful — especially on a busy highway like I-10 or in an unfamiliar part of New Orleans. Here's exactly what to do to keep yourself safe until help arrives.
If your car is still moving, get to the right shoulder of the road or off the highway entirely. The further you can get from active traffic, the safer you are. Even on city streets, pulling into a parking lot or onto a side street is much safer than blocking a lane.
The instant you realize there's a problem, hit your hazard lights. This signals other drivers that something is wrong and they need to give you space. Keep them on the entire time you're stopped.
On a busy highway, getting out of your car is statistically more dangerous than staying inside. Unless there's a fire, smoke, or some other immediate danger, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on. If you must exit, exit on the side away from traffic.
If you have road flares or reflective triangles, set them up about 50 and 100 feet behind your vehicle to give approaching drivers more warning. This is especially important at night or in bad weather.
Once you're safely off the road and visible, call a tow truck. In New Orleans, TJ Towing is available 24/7 — call (504) 884-7883 and we'll dispatch a truck to your location. Have your exact location ready (highway name, mile marker, nearest exit, or street address). If you're not sure where you are, your phone's map app can usually tell you.
If someone you didn't call pulls up offering to tow you, be cautious — there are scam tow operators who target stranded motorists, especially after accidents. Wait for the company you actually called to arrive.
If your breakdown is the result of an accident or road damage (like a pothole that destroyed your tire), take photos before the tow truck arrives. This can help with insurance claims later.
TJ Towing is available 24/7 across greater New Orleans for emergency towing, roadside assistance, and more.
Call (504) 884-7883