Top 5 Reasons to Call a Professional Towing Service
No one ever expects to break down on the side of the road. One minute you’re cruising along, maybe humming to the radio or thinking about what’s for dinner, and the next, your car starts acting up. Whether it’s a dead battery, a flat tire, or a more serious mechanical issue, being stranded is never fun and can sometimes be downright dangerous.
That’s where roadside assistance and professional tow truck services come in. But what many drivers forget is that the time between calling for help and the tow truck arriving is just as important as the fix itself.
At Harris Towing Services, we’ve spent over 20 years helping drivers get out of sticky roadside situations safely and affordably. And through every jumpstart, winch-out, and tow, we’ve seen one truth remain constant: Knowing how to protect yourself while waiting can make all the difference.
Here’s how you can stay safe, smart, and prepared while waiting for a tow truck—no matter where your car breaks down.
1. Get Your Vehicle Off the Road (If You Can)
If your car is still somewhat operable, your very first move should be to steer it off the main road. Look for a wide shoulder, emergency lane, or nearby parking lot. The farther you are from moving traffic, the better.
If you break down on a highway, try to pull over as far to the right as possible. Never stop in the left-hand lane unless your car completely dies and there’s no other choice. If you’re on a quiet side street, aim for a well-lit area or a spot near businesses, especially at night.
Why this matters: Even at low speeds, oncoming vehicles may not see your car in time to avoid a collision, especially around curves or in low visibility conditions. Your top priority is minimizing the risk of being struck.
2. Turn On Your Hazard Lights Immediately
The moment you realize something’s wrong, hit those hazard lights. They’re not just for show—they’re a warning to everyone else that your vehicle is not functioning normally.
Hazard lights signal to other drivers that they should give your vehicle extra space or slow down. If you’ve pulled over to the side of the road, leave them on until help arrives. This is especially critical during rain, fog, or nighttime conditions.
3. Set Up Reflective Triangles or Flares
If you carry an emergency roadside kit—and we hope you do—now’s the time to break it out. Setting up reflective triangles or road flares behind your vehicle can add an extra layer of visibility, especially after dark.
Position them in a straight line behind your car: one about 10 feet away, another 50 feet back, and the last one around 100 feet behind you. If it’s windy or raining, skip the flares and use triangles instead to avoid accidents.
Bonus tip: Keep a flashlight in your glove box or trunk. Trying to place safety markers in the dark without one is risky business.
4. Stay Inside the Vehicle Unless It’s Unsafe
In most cases, your safest place is inside your car with the seatbelt fastened and the doors locked. It might feel counterintuitive—you want to “do something” while waiting—but walking around the vehicle puts you in harm’s way, especially on highways.
The only time you should exit your vehicle is if staying inside would put you in more danger, such as if your car is smoking or leaking fluids after a collision. In that case, get out quickly and move far away, preferably behind a guardrail or up an embankment.
5. Make Yourself Visible to the Tow Truck Driver
Once you’re safe and secure, make it easier for the tow truck driver to find you. Turn on your interior dome light at night, open the hood if it’s safe, and let the dispatcher know any landmarks or cross-streets nearby.
Pro tip: If you have a safety vest (many roadside kits include them), wear it when stepping outside to improve visibility.
6. Keep Your Phone Handy—but Don’t Drain It
You’ve likely already used your phone to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck, but try not to run the battery down streaming videos or scrolling through apps while you wait. You’ll need it for updates from the dispatcher or in case your situation changes.
We recommend keeping a portable phone charger in your glove box at all times. It’s a small investment that could make a big difference in an emergency.
7. Be Wary of Strangers Offering Help
It’s heartening to think someone might stop to help, but it’s best to politely decline and wait for professional assistance. A good Samaritan may mean well, but they might not have the tools or knowledge to safely address your issue, or worse, they may not have the best intentions at all.
Roll down your window just enough to speak and let them know that help is on the way. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, don’t hesitate to call 911.
8. Know Who You’re Dealing With
When you call a towing company like Harris Towing Services, ask the dispatcher for the driver’s name and a description of the truck. This way, you can verify the identity of the person who shows up.
If someone arrives and you weren’t expecting them—or they can’t confirm who they are—stay inside your vehicle and call the towing service back to double-check.
Your safety is always worth a second phone call.
9. Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle
Preparedness makes all the difference. Here’s a list of basic supplies that every car owner should have on hand:
- First-aid kit
- Reflective triangles or road flares
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Blanket
- Phone charger (preferably solar or battery-powered)
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks
- Safety vest
- Tire pressure gauge
- Jumper cables
These items don’t take up much space and can be life-saving in the right situation. Whether you’re stranded for 20 minutes or 2 hours, being ready matters.
10. Trust the Pros at Harris Towing Services
With more than 20 years of experience serving the Dover community, Harris Towing Services knows what it takes to get drivers back on the road safely and efficiently. We’re proud to be a family-run business founded by a veteran and carried forward by a team of dedicated professionals, including trained mechanics and technicians who treat your car like it’s their own.
We understand that car trouble doesn’t stick to a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why we offer 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, and affordable repair services to our neighbors, students, and service members across Delaware.
Our mission is simple: Give your vehicle the care it deserves—and help you get back in the driver’s seat with confidence.
If you’re ever stuck on the side of the road, don’t leave your safety up to chance. Save our number right now: +1 302-736-9901.
Whether you need a tow, a jumpstart, or expert repair, Harris Towing Services is here to help you get back to life at full speed.
