Truck Broke Down on the Highway? Driver Safety Steps
A breakdown in a live lane is one of the most dangerous things a driver faces. Here's exactly what to do — in order — to stay safe and get rolling.
1. Get off the road if you can
The moment you sense a problem — loss of power, a wobble, a warning lamp — signal early and ease toward the right shoulder or an exit ramp while you still have control. The far right shoulder, an exit, a rest area, or a truck stop is far safer than a live lane. Never stop in the left/median lane if you can avoid it.
2. Make yourself visible
Turn on your four-way hazard flashers immediately. Once stopped on a divided highway, set out your three reflective triangles per FMCSA rules: one within 10 feet of the rear, one about 100 feet back, and one about 200 feet back toward approaching traffic. On a one-way or undivided road, place them 10, 100, and 200 feet to the rear. Do this within 10 minutes of stopping — it's both the law and what keeps you alive.
3. Stay buckled, stay in the cab
If you're stopped on a narrow shoulder with traffic blowing past at 70 mph, the safest place is usually inside the cab with your seatbelt on, not standing beside the truck. Only exit on the side away from traffic, and only when there's a real break in vehicles. Wear a high-visibility vest any time you're outside.
4. Note your exact location
Before you call, find your mile marker, exit number, highway direction (e.g., I-10 westbound near MM 412), and nearest cross street. Precise location is the single biggest factor in how fast help reaches you — dispatchers and tow operators route off it directly.
5. Request roadside help
Send your location and problem through RoadService.app. Eligible providers may respond when available; review the ETA and customer-facing all-in total before assignment. If it's an injury or you're in a hazardous spot, call 911 first, then arrange recovery.
FAQ
On a divided highway, place them about 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the truck toward oncoming traffic, within 10 minutes of stopping. FMCSA requires three reflective triangles (or equivalent warning devices) for commercial vehicles.
On a narrow shoulder with fast traffic, staying buckled in the cab is usually safest. If you must exit, get out on the side away from traffic, wear a hi-vis vest, and step well off the roadway behind the guardrail if there is one.
Have your mile marker, highway and direction, exit number, and nearest cross street ready, then send a request on RoadService.app or call (561) 726-3111. Precise location is what gets help to you fastest.
Find a mechanic near you
When you're ready for hands-on help, the RoadService.app directory connects you with vetted providers in your area.