How to Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow After an Accident

Getting into an accident is stressful, but what you do after the crash can make a big difference in your safety and the safety of others on the road. Whether you’re in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, waiting for a tow truck in Georgia can put you at risk of oncoming traffic, roadside hazards, and unpredictable weather conditions.

So we asked our towing team what the best ways to stay safe while waiting for a tow after an accident are!

1. Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)

If your vehicle is still drivable and there are no major injuries, the first step is to move to a safe area. Staying in the middle of traffic increases the risk of a secondary crash.

Where to Move Your Vehicle:

• Shoulder or emergency lane: Get as far off the roadway as possible.
• Nearby parking lot: Pull into a well-lit, safe area if available.
• Stay inside the vehicle if unsafe to exit: If you're stuck in heavy traffic, remain in the car with your seatbelt on.

When NOT to Move Your Vehicle:

• If your car is disabled or leaking fluids.
• If the accident involves serious injuries or fatalities (wait for emergency responders).
• If moving, the vehicle could cause further damage or violate accident laws.

If you're unsure whether to move your car, call 911 and follow their instructions.

2. Turn On Hazard Lights and Use Warning Signals

Once stopped, make yourself visible to oncoming traffic. Other drivers may not see a disabled vehicle in time to react, especially at night or in bad weather.

How to Increase Visibility:

• Turn on hazard lights immediately to alert passing drivers.
• If safe, place warning triangles or road flares about 50–100 feet behind your vehicle.
• Keep headlights on if parked in a dark area to remain visible.

Never stand in active lanes of traffic while placing warning devices—only do so if it’s safe.

3. Stay Inside Your Vehicle If It’s Unsafe to Exit

In many situations, staying inside your vehicle is safer than standing on the roadside. Busy highways, low visibility, or dangerous weather increase the risk of being hit by passing traffic.

When to Stay Inside the Vehicle:

• If you’re on a high-speed roadway like an interstate.
• If it’s dark, raining, or foggy, making pedestrians harder to see.
• If there’s no safe area nearby to stand.

When to Exit the Vehicle:

• If there’s a fire, fuel leak, or smoke from your car.
• If your vehicle is in an active traffic lane and can't be moved.
• If a tow truck driver or emergency responder asks you to exit.

Always exit from the passenger side if possible to avoid oncoming traffic.

4. Call for a Tow Truck and Provide Accurate Information

When you’re safe, call Myles Wrecker Service or another trusted towing company in Georgia. The faster you provide details, the quicker help can arrive.

What to Tell the Tow Company:

Your exact location: Highway mile markers, nearby exits, or intersections help pinpoint your location.
Vehicle details: Make, model, and any visible damage.
Road conditions: Let them know if you're on a busy road, in a ditch, or facing bad weather.
Special instructions: If you need roadside assistance (like a flat tire change) and a tow.

Being clear and precise reduces wait time and helps the tow truck operator arrive prepared.

5. Stay Alert and Watch for Scams

Unfortunately, some scammers exploit stranded drivers by offering unauthorized towing services or inflating prices.

How to Avoid Tow Truck Scams:

• Only accept help from a tow company you called.
• Ask for company identification before allowing them to tow your vehicle.
• Beware of towing companies that arrive unsolicited and pressure you into using their services.
• Get a price estimate upfront and confirm where your vehicle is being taken.

If a tow truck seems suspicious, call the company dispatch or law enforcement to verify the driver.

Final Thoughts

The moments after an accident are stressful, but staying calm and following these safety steps can protect you from further harm. If possible, move to a safe spot, stay visible, and call a trusted tow service to get help fast.

At Myles Wrecker Service we provide safe, reliable towing 24/7—whether you’ve had an accident, a breakdown, or need roadside assistance. Call us anytime for fast and professional towing services.