Stay or Leave? What to Do After a Tow Call

Most drivers are hesitant to leave their vehicles, but in some cases, doing so is in your best interest. 

Consider a call to a taxi or friend if a vehicle breaks down in an unfamiliar area where the risk of assault or other crime seems possible. Tow truck drivers do not need to have the keys to remove a vehicle, so don't risk a theft by leaving them behind. Insurance covers property loss, but personal safety is never worth the risk. 

Another time to consider a ride is when the weather is hazardous. Extreme temperatures can become life-threatening, particularly when the vehicle is inoperable and can't provide respite from the heat or cold. Dangerous road conditions like heavy rain or dense fog also present a serious concern. 

One of the most dangerous situations is when a breakdown takes place on a busy highway. Every year stranded motorists and tow truck drivers suffer injuries and sometimes death when another vehicle strikes them while they stand on the roadside. States have enacted "move over" laws to draw attention to this problem, but tragedies still take place.

Sometimes, you would do better to wait for the tow truck to arrive at your vehicle. Consider this in the following situations.

You may need to stay if the disabled car or truck is transporting valuable cargo that cannot be unloaded easily to another vehicle. Tow truck operators cannot be held responsible for the personal property people leave behind.

The mechanical problem could be a simple fix the tow truck driver can repair on site. Battery issues, tires, and empty gas tanks are common roadside services. Many roadside repairs cost less than a tow and repair elsewhere, but not all companies offer this service. The ability to work on the vehicle also depends on the safety of the location.

Another reason to stay is when the vehicle is going directly to a garage during their work hours. The company might have time to make the repair or at least diagnose the problem and prepare an estimate. If you stay with your car, you can see the facility before any work begins on the vehicle if you are unfamiliar with the company.

Whether you choose to stay or go, remember personal safety. Pull a drivable vehicle as far off the road as possible, and do not stand with those that cannot move. Stay far enough away to avoid debris if an accident occurs. Keep the running lights on after dark so your location is visible to approaching traffic, and never stay in a vehicle that is blocking a driving lane.

Contact the tow company and tell them where you will be if you decide to take shelter somewhere. Ask for a return call five minutes before the driver arrives so you can meet them at the vehicle.

Ask for the estimated wait time for the tow truck. If you call a ride, it might arrive later than the towing service. No one wants to stand alone on a sidewalk without the shelter of their vehicle as they wait for their ride. 

The number of passengers is another potential problem. The maximum number of people allowed in a tow truck is based on the number of seatbelts. Many fit only two passengers, and dual cabs may allow up to five. Always inform the dispatcher when more than two people are present (many dispatchers will ask) and arrange alternate transportation if needed.  

At AA Wrecker Service, we make the process as easy as possible with a large fleet and fast 24 hours service. Call us for any local or long-distance tow.