Coping with a Road Trip Emergency

“Be prepared to manage a road trip setback,:

says GMT Auto Sales St. Louis

Road trips can oftentimes take unwanted detours.

• Do you know how to steer a vehicle in the throes of a blow-out?
• What would you do if your car broke down on Interstate 55, on the outskirts of Chicago?
• If someone rear-ends your automobile, what actions should you take?

GMT Auto Sales St. Louis prescribes tactics for safely managing an unforeseen road trip setback.

Safety rules when it comes to being stranded on any frequently traveled interstate.

Facing a Roadside Vehicle Failure

During a blowout, it becomes almost impossible to steer straight. To safely get out of harms way, try to steer the car onto the shoulder of the road.

• Do not hit the brakes or jerk the steering wheel. Mac Demere, a contributor of Popular Mechanics advises “pressing the gas pedal” to gain vehicular stability.

If possible try to make your way to theright side of the road (opposite of oncoming traffic).

• If you have to leave the car, you won’t have to cross traffic lanes. More importantly, it is very dangerous to change a tire on the median strip.

AAA reports that flat tires, dead batteries and running out of fuel account for the highest number of roadside assistance responses.

Managing a Car Collision

Before exiting the car, if possible, use your mobile device to snap a photo of the other vehicle’s damage and license plate. In the event, the motorist tries to drive away without exchanging contact and insurance information, you have documented the details.

• “Exchange contact information with the motorists of autos, implicated in the car crash, When traveling alone never leave the car unless there is the threat of fire; or, a public safety official is in close proximity to the scene of the accident,” advises a spokesperson at GMT Auto Sales St. Louis.
• Report the accident to the highway state patrol or police in jurisdiction.
• Maintain a copy of the police report for your records.
• Whether you have auto insurance or a liability policy, contact the company, underwriting your coverage. In the event, the other motorist tries to file a claim against you or your insurance company, your provider can take the appropriate steps.
• Take numerous snapshots of the auto wreckage. To validate how the collision happened, capture photos that tell the story.

Did you know that: 25 percent of accidents happen at night time.
(Source: National Highway Transportation Safety Administration)

Managing these setbacks can influence how quickly you’re able to recover the road trip.

If your automobile is totaled or in need of repair, remember to cancel your lodging reservation.

Finally, don’t forget to travel with an emergency car kit and first aid kit. And, don’t forget to travel with a mobile device, along with its charger.

When in need of safe, reliable used cars for sale, road test cars at GMT Auto Sales, Saint Louis MO.