Broken down on the highway: the 7-step safety checklist

Get off the live lane before anything else

The single most dangerous place to stop is a live traffic lane. If the vehicle is still rolling, use that momentum to reach the far right shoulder, an emergency pull-off, or the next exit ramp — even a slow, limping exit is safer than stopping in a lane.

Stay in the car when traffic is fast

On high-speed highways, the cabin is usually the safest place to wait with your seatbelt fastened and hazards on. Step out only if you can exit on the side away from traffic and move well behind a barrier.

“Verify the plate and operator name in the app before you unlock a door. Every dispatched provider shows up in your live tracking screen.”

Verify the truck that arrives is actually yours

Unsolicited tow trucks sometimes monitor scanner traffic and arrive first. Match the operator name, vehicle and plate against your request before handing over your keys.