Simple steps that keep you out of harm’s way
When you see those hazard lights flashing ahead and realize you’re the one who’s broken down, it’s easy to freeze up. A quick search for a tow truck near me and a call to get help moving is the right instinct. But once that Bakersfield towing call is placed to our team, the waiting period is where a few smart decisions really matter. Here’s what to do while help is in transit.
Move Your Car as Far Off the Road as You Can
The first priority is distance from moving traffic. If the car will move at all, get it off the lane entirely and onto the shoulder, past the white line, and as far right as possible. A parking lot, a side street, or the far end of an exit ramp is always better than straddling the fog line. Turn your hazard lights on immediately, even before the car has fully stopped.
If the car won’t move under its own power, steer toward the right shoulder with whatever momentum you have and let it roll to a stop as far right as possible. Don’t try to push the car in moving traffic; get it positioned with hazards on and step back from the roadway. The goal is to buy distance between the car and the travel lanes before anything else.
Get Out and Get Away From the Car
Here’s something a lot of drivers don’t think to do: once the car is stopped, getting out and moving away from the road is often the safer call. Staying in the car feels natural, but a stopped vehicle on the shoulder is a stationary target as traffic passes at speed. If there’s a guardrail, an embankment, or a grassy area behind the car, put it between you and the road and wait from there.
If safely exiting isn’t an option given a narrow bridge, heavy rain, or no usable shoulder, stay belted in and keep the hazards going. Call 911 if the situation feels unsafe. The responding Bakersfield towing driver will know how to approach a difficult stop, so stay on the line and stay calm.
What to Grab Before the Tow Truck Arrives
Before your driver pulls up, take a couple of minutes to collect what you’ll need:
- Keys, wallet, and phone
- Car registration and insurance documents
- Prescription medications or medical items
- Any valuables visible through the windows
Once the car goes on the truck, it may head directly to a shop or a storage yard, so treat this like a temporary goodbye to the vehicle. Anything you don’t have with you when the driver arrives stays behind. When you’re ready, put the car in park, set the parking brake, and turn the wheels toward the shoulder. A car that’s properly stabilized makes the hookup faster for your driver.
Golden Empire Towing: Your First Call for Bakersfield Towing
Golden Empire Towing provides Bakersfield towing service throughout the area, day and night. Our drivers respond quickly to Bakersfield towing calls and arrive ready to handle everything from freeway breakdowns to parking lot recoveries. For light-duty towing in Bakersfield, including passenger cars, SUVs, and small trucks, we carry the right equipment for a clean, damage-free pickup.
If you found us by searching for a Bakersfield towing company, save our number before you close the app. The best time to have a Bakersfield towing crew on speed dial is before you’re stranded. Golden Empire Towing keeps response times short and communication clear, so you’ll always know when your driver is close.
FAQ
What should I do first if my car breaks down on the highway?
Get your car off the travel lane as far as possible, then turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicle moves, aim for an exit ramp, parking lot, or the far edge of the shoulder. If it won’t move, steer toward the right shoulder and let it coast to a stop. Distance from moving traffic is the first goal.
Is it safer to stay in my car or get out while waiting for a tow?
Getting out and moving away from the car is generally safer, assuming there’s a safe place to stand, such as behind a guardrail or up an embankment. Vehicles stopped on a shoulder are vulnerable to being struck by distracted drivers. If there’s no safe exit option, stay buckled inside with hazards running.
What should I do if my hazard lights aren’t working?
Use whatever visual signals you can: open the trunk, tie something bright to a window or antenna, or use a flashlight if you have one. Some drivers keep emergency triangles or reflective markers in the car for exactly this situation. Call 911 if the car’s position creates a serious risk to other drivers.
How long does it usually take for a tow truck to arrive?
Arrival times vary depending on the time of day, traffic conditions, and how far the nearest available driver is. Most towing companies aim to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes for standard calls, though high-demand periods like rush hour or bad weather can extend that window. Your dispatcher can usually give you a closer estimate at the time of your call.
Will the tow driver wait if I’m not at the car when they arrive?
Most drivers will wait a short time, but it varies by company and by how busy they are. If you have to step away from the vehicle, let your dispatcher know so they can pass that along. Staying near the car or keeping your phone accessible makes the handoff much smoother.
What information should I have ready when I call for a tow?
Have your location as specific as possible: road name, nearest mile marker or exit number, and the direction you were traveling. Know your vehicle’s year, make, model, and whether it’s in park or neutral. Your insurance card may also be useful if roadside coverage is part of your policy.