Stranded: When the side of the road stops being a safe haven

Whether it’s due to a car accident, flat tire or engine troubles, hundreds of thousands of motorists are forced to pull off to the side of the road on a daily basis to sort out their car troubles. But, with an ever-increasing volume of traffic on the roads, the shoulder of a highway is one of the most dangerous places for both pedestrians and vehicles alike.

Don McRae owner of Columbia driver education school, 911 Driving School, provided the below tips to keep motorists safe if they find themselves on the side of the road:

Call law enforcement: While it might sound like Driving 101, you should always call law enforcement when stuck on the side of the road. Whether it’s due to an accident, engine troubles or a flat tire, make sure to let the police know where you’re located and what has happened. That way, the police can come to your assistance and help ensure that other vehicles can see your car on the shoulder.

Pull off to the right side of the road: The safest place to pull over is on the right side of the roadway. In general, shoulders on the right side of a road are wider and allow you to pull your car further off the road and out of harm’s way.

Turn on your hazard lights: One of the easiest ways to make your vehicle visible is by switching on your hazard lights. If you’re stopped at night, leave your headlights on to create extra visibility for your vehicle.

Exit your vehicle on the opposite side of traffic: If you experience a breakdown while on the highway, only exit the vehicle if it is necessary or safe to do so. If you must exit your car, make sure to stand to the side of your vehicle farthest from the road and never turn your back to oncoming traffic.

For more information on ways to protect yourself when pulling over to the side of the road, contact 911 Driving School at (803) 699-1191 or visit https://911drivingschool.com/s....