Let’s be honest—the only thing worse than getting your loaded truck stuck on a busy highway because something went wrong with it, is this happening during the hot summer. There’s no ideal time for a breakdown, especially when you’re on a tight schedule. If you do find yourself needing or waiting on roadside assistance, here are three things you should do.
1. Contact an emergency roadside service or your dispatch team.
It’s important to immediately contact emergency roadside assistance or your dispatch team to let them know your location and to send help. Or, they can possibly give you quick-fix tips to get you back up and on the road temporarily.
2. Stay alert and aware.
Being broken down can be extremely dangerous for a number of reasons. Drivers and their trucks are exposed to speeding nearby traffic, which is why it’s important to stay alert and aware of the danger this poses. Stay in your vehicle as much as you can while waiting for assistance.
3. Be prepared for breakdowns.
It’s every driver’s responsibility to prepare for anything that may happen on the road. Take the time to set yourself up for success and safety. Here’s a list of things every driver should keep in their truck in case of a summer roadside emergency:
- Water bottles and food
- First aid kit
- Charged cellphone
- Flashlights and reflective materials
- Battery-operated fan
Don't forget to download the TA TruckSmart app ahead of time, so you can contact RoadSquad if you break down. Or you can reach our dispatch team at 1-800-824-SHOP.
Preventing truck breakdowns
The first step to roadside safety? Avoid breakdowns! Remember—most breakdowns are avoidable with preventive maintenance and regular truck care. Not to mention, repairs post-breakdown are much more expensive than a routine PM or tire replacement.
Summer breakdowns are most commonly due to tires. Make sure to monitor your tires for proper inflation and if you do need emergency assistance, call RoadSquad at 1-800-824-SHOP for fast roll times and experienced technicians.