What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on a Tulsa Highway

What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on a Tulsa Highway

A highway breakdown can become dangerous quickly. Deal with immediate danger first, then arrange help for the vehicle.

Call 911 for immediate danger

Call 911 if the vehicle is blocking a live lane, anyone may be injured, there is fire or smoke, or another condition puts someone in immediate danger. Turn on the hazard lights if you can do so safely. Follow instructions from emergency personnel at the scene.

Do not try to push or repair a vehicle while exposed to highway traffic. Whether it is safer to stay in the vehicle or move away depends on the vehicle's position, traffic, fire, water, and other hazards. A 911 dispatcher or officer can give instructions for the scene in front of you.

Give towing dispatch a precise location

When you call Miklos Towing at (918) 830-0773, have these details ready:

• Highway and direction of travel
• Nearest exit, mile marker, cross street, or map pin
• Vehicle year, make, and model
• What happened and whether the wheels can roll
• Whether the vehicle is in a lane, on a shoulder, in a lot, or off the road
• The destination you want

On I-44, say whether you are on a turnpike segment. For I-244 and the Inner Dispersal Loop, give the nearest ramp or downtown exit. On the BA Expressway or US-169, include your direction and the closest signed exit.

Dispatch uses those details to check job fit, equipment, current availability, price, and the current ETA. Calling does not mean that a truck has already been assigned.

While you wait

• Keep the hazard lights on if the electrical system allows it.
• Follow any instructions from law enforcement, emergency dispatch, or road crews.
• Do not stand in front of or behind the vehicle near moving traffic.
• Use triangles or flares only if you can place them without entering traffic and can follow the product instructions.
• Keep your phone available in case dispatch or emergency personnel call back.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation's hazardous-driving guidance includes roadside and severe-weather instructions. Check current conditions through Drive Oklahoma.

When the truck arrives

The operator assesses the traffic, vehicle position, and work area before loading or recovery begins. Emergency responders control an active incident scene. Depending on the vehicle and available equipment, dispatch may confirm transport to your home, a repair shop, or another authorized destination.

Before the next highway trip

Check the tires, warning lights, and fuel or charge before leaving. Keep a charged phone, water, a flashlight, and reflective warning equipment in the car. Save the towing or roadside number you plan to use before you need it.

Drivers approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights should follow the applicable move-over law. NHTSA explains the general move-over rule; posted signs, Oklahoma law, and officer directions control the situation.

For a tow, call (918) 830-0773 with the location, vehicle, condition, and destination. Call 911 first for immediate danger.

This article provides general information. Emergency personnel's instructions and the conditions at the scene control.