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Roadside Tow Safety: When You Must Leave Your Vehicle Behind
Admin • Aug 19, 2019
An accident or vehicle malfunction can happen at any time, and it is never convenient for the owner. A tow may be the only option. No one wants to leave their vehicle behind, but sometimes it is necessary for safety reasons or because of other responsibilities.
Drivers must be cautious when a roadside tow means a vehicle is left without any occupants. The owner could experience legal problems or incur more expenses if they do not handle the situation appropriately. A few extra steps can help ensure a vehicle comes home safely or arrives at a repair facility without any additional damage.
Call the Police
Michigan law requires drivers to contact the police after a single-vehicle accident if any unattended property damage occurred or if the automobile has damages of $1,000 or more. If the owner does not make the call, the mechanic has a legal responsibility to contact the police to report the damage they believe resulted from an unreported accident.
Call the police even for tows needed because of mechanical issues rather than an accident. The police need to know a tow truck is on the way. A lack of communication could cause the authorities to believe the driver abandoned the vehicle. The police department may order a tow that could lead to added costs for the owner.
Contact a Tow Company
Call a towing service as soon as possible to ensure the vehicle does not stay on the side of the road any longer than necessary. In Michigan, vehicle owners have 18 hours to remove a vehicle from the side of the highway, and 48 hours from rural roads. The police can charge the owner with abandoning a vehicle if they wait too long.
Give Accurate Information
Be clear with the dispatch service about where the vehicle is, what it is, and where it needs to go. It may sound simple, but many people give inaccurate descriptions to towing companies. The owner of the vehicle could have a much higher tow bill than expected if the driver goes extra miles, and spends extra time, looking for the vehicle.
Use the exact road name, and any distinguishing landmarks when discussing the location with the dispatcher or driver. Be certain of the make and model of the vehicle. Write down the location and the license plate number for tow calls that take place after leaving the car. Leave the keys hidden in the vehicle and tell the dispatcher where to find them.
Make certain the repair facility and the towing company have accurate contact information for the driver and the owner (if different). Without good contact information, the tow driver cannot call with questions or inform the owner of a delay. Mechanics usually do not begin any repairs until they talk to the owner of the vehicle.
Make it Visible
Keep the hazard lights on while still with the vehicle to give other drivers as much notice as possible of the breakdown. Try to move the vehicle as far off the road as possible or into a lighted area, if it will move at all. Use reflectors from the car emergency kit, or any reflective material available if the vehicle remains near the roadway after sunset.
People often make mistakes or forget details when they are suddenly stranded on a roadside. Write down these tips along with the vehicle information and store the list in the glove box to avoid any mistakes. At Rusko's Service Center, we will do our part and safely retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible. Call us to learn more about the services we offer.
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