Roadside Safety Tips. What To Do When You Have To Pull Over Because Your Car Is Disabled.

Ok...  So your car dies or you have a flat tire...  What do you do?  Well, most people know to pull over to the right side of the road (if possible).  But what if you can't?  What do you do then?  Well, from experience let us tell you how to stay safe (and remain in one piece).

San Antonio's roads are not very kind to motorists that have car troubles.  In fact, they are exactly the opposite in the way they are just down right dangerous.  Drivers, police, and those who provide assistance are hit every day on the side of the road.  The side of the road is something to fear certiainly, and the moment you lost fear - the 17 year old girl texting on her phone looks up just in time to see her car cross the line and hit you.  Now do I have your attention?

Texas has a law called "The Texas Move Over Act" which requires all drivers to either move over into a lane not near any official, emergency, tow truck, or disabled auto.  The fact is, not too many people pay much attention to this law - unless it is the police or a emergency vehicle.  Not too many people are going to move over if you have a flat tire, or even slow down while passing you.

Texas Transportation Code 545.157 defines the requirements of the Texas Move Over Act 

(TMOA).  It requires that drivers vacate the lane adjacent to a stopped, authorized emergency 

vehicle that has its emergency lights on, or slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted 

speed limit when the posted speed limit is at or above 25 miles per hour (or slow to 5 mph when 

the posted speed is less than 25 mph).

1. When you have an emergency on the roadside, try to make it over to the right shoulder of the road.  This is not always possible, but if it is - do it.

2. DO NOT EXIT YOUR AUTO IF YOU ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY.  CALL POLICE!

3. Turn on your hazard lights (AKA flashers) and keep your car running.

4.  Call your insurance provider if you have roadside assistance.  They will ensure someone will help.

5. If you do not have insurance for some reason, or do not have roadside assistance search for a roadside assistance provider locally or call a family member.

6.  If it night time, turn on your dome light inside your car so that you can be seen better.  

7.  If you chose to work on your car - NEVER WORK ON THE SIDE NEAREST TRAFFIC.  Drive further down the road or further off the shoulder (slowly) so that you are our of the way.

8.  If you are not able to move your car and contact someone for assistance you can always call the police for assistance or even call a taxi to get you out of danger.

9. A car on the side of the road at night is a sitting duck waiting to be hit.  Call for help ASAP.

Remember, the road is not safe for anyone - not even police.  Respect it with your life, because if you don't you'll lost your life quickly.