Don’t Make a Bad Situation Worse
A vehicle breakdown is never convenient. It’s stressful, unpredictable, and often happens when we’re trying to get somewhere important. But how we respond in those first few moments can shape everything that comes next. Over the years, providing I-80 roadside assistance, we’ve seen a pattern of avoidable mistakes that make recovery harder, slower, and sometimes more dangerous. If we want to keep ourselves, our passengers, and our vehicles safe, we need to learn what not to do.
Staying in a Dangerous Spot
It might feel safer to stay inside a broken-down vehicle, but location matters. If you’re stranded in a live traffic lane or sitting too close to fast-moving vehicles, you’re exposed to serious risk.
Every year, drivers and passengers risk getting hurt or killed simply because they didn’t move to a safer area after breaking down. If the car can still roll, you should steer it to the shoulder, a rest stop, or an exit. If you can’t move the car, try to exit from the side away from traffic, get behind a barrier, and wait for help.
But no matter the situation: always put your safety first!
Trying to DIY a Fix in the Dark
Pop the hood. Jiggle a wire. Hope for the best. We’ve all seen it. Or done it. But roadside repairs without the right tools or training usually do more harm than good.
Nighttime is the worst time to play mechanic. Visibility is low. Traffic is unpredictable. And mistakes are easier to make. In most of those cases, the delay caused by playing mechanic might cost you more time and money than if you’d waited for a professional. It’s much safer to let our experienced and trained I-80 roadside assistance experts, who come with the proper gear, handle the fix.
Forgetting to Use Hazard Lights and Markers
We can’t expect other drivers to avoid what they can’t see. One of the most dangerous things we see is a broken-down vehicle in low light, no hazards flashing, no cones or reflectors.
Hazard lights are a basic first step. If we have road flares or triangles, set them up: one 10 feet behind the car, another 100 feet back. These safety measures give other drivers and responders time to react. Light it up, mark it out, and give everyone a fair warning.
Panicking Instead of Planning
When something goes wrong on the highway, our first reaction often isn’t our best. Panic clouds judgment. Panicked drivers might lock their keys in the car while rushing to grab their phone, forget to pull off safely, or even leave the vehicle running while stepping away.
Breakdowns are high-stress moments, but rushing usually makes things worse. Before we act, we need to take a breath and think through the next few steps.
Leaving the Vehicle Unattended Without a Plan
It’s tempting to walk off and try to find help on foot, especially if we’re out of cell range or in a hurry. But abandoning a vehicle without telling anyone is risky and can create bigger problems. Law enforcement might get involved. Sometimes the car gets towed to an impound lot instead of a shop. It turns a breakdown into a logistical mess.
Stay nearby if it’s safe. Leave a visible note if you must go. Always try to contact our professional I-80 roadside assistance team before taking off.
Let Bigler Boyz Handle Your I-80 Roadside Assistance Call
We know what it’s like to be stuck on the side of the interstate watching taillights blur past. That’s why our I-80 roadside assistance is all about showing up with the tools, the know-how, and the awareness to handle whatever situation we find.
Breakdowns are tough. Mistakes can make them tougher. That’s why our I-80 roadside assistance crew shows up ready, thinks clearly under pressure, and helps drivers recover smarter, not harder. Should you ever require I-80 roadside assistance, remember that Bigler Boyz is only a phone call away.
