Whether you’re on I-40 at rush hour or on a back road in Smyrna, a broken-down car can leave you and your passengers in an extremely vulnerable position. Last year alone, Nashville experienced tragic incidents where stopped motorists were struck by passing cars. It can happen in a split second, changing the lives of the driver and the family of the victim forever.
Middle Tennessee roadways see heavy traffic at nearly all hours of the day—especially around Nashville interstates, construction zones, and merging ramps. When a vehicle suddenly becomes disabled, drivers often underestimate how quickly a dangerous situation can develop. Speeding traffic, distracted drivers, and low visibility conditions combine to create a serious risk for anyone stopped on the shoulder. Knowing what to do in the first moments after a breakdown can make a life-saving difference.
Below are 3 important safety tips to remember if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road:
Changing a tire or attempting to fix a mechanical issue on a busy highway is not a good idea. Call for help. Depending on where you are, a tow truck can most likely be there in minutes and can tow you to a safe place to deal with the issue. Saving a few dollars and minutes isn’t worth risking your life.
If you are stranded in an active traffic lane, near a curve, or feel unsafe in any way, calling 911 is appropriate. Emergency responders can help manage traffic and reduce the risk of another collision. If the issue is mechanical and you are safely on the shoulder, roadside assistance through your insurance provider, vehicle manufacturer, or a service like AAA is often the best next step. Using your phone’s location feature, mile markers, exit numbers, or nearby landmarks can help responders find you quickly—especially on long stretches of highway.
If your vehicle is stopped on the shoulder of the highway, and you feel safely out of the path of oncoming traffic, stay where you are. If you feel like you’re in a vulnerable position, exit the car on the side not facing traffic, and stand well clear of the highway while you wait for help.
In many highway situations, the safest place is actually inside your vehicle. Staying inside with your seatbelt on and doors locked can protect you from passing traffic—particularly at night or during bad weather. Walking along a busy roadway or attempting to push a disabled car puts you at serious risk of being struck. If you must exit the vehicle, do so from the passenger side, move as far away from traffic as possible, and position yourself behind a guardrail when one is available.
Even from a safe distance, there’s still a risk that your vehicle could be struck and the impact could reach where you’re standing. Stay alert as you wait for help. It could save your life.
Remaining alert also means making your vehicle as visible as possible. Turn on hazard lights immediately and keep them on until help arrives. If it is safe to do so, popping the hood signals to other drivers and responders that your vehicle is disabled. If you have reflective triangles, road flares, or emergency reflectors, placing them behind your vehicle can give approaching drivers extra warning—especially in low-light conditions. Some drivers also keep a bright cloth or an emergency flag in their trunks, which can be tied to a door handle or an antenna to increase visibility.
Being prepared before an emergency occurs also matters. Keeping a charged phone, emergency kit, reflective equipment, and roadside assistance information in your vehicle can give you peace of mind on Nashville roads. Breakdowns happen—but being informed and cautious can help ensure they do not turn into tragedies.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville injury attorneys have seen firsthand how devastating roadside crashes can be. Many of these incidents are caused by distracted or careless drivers who fail to slow down or move over for stopped vehicles, despite Tennessee’s Move Over law. When drivers ignore these basic safety rules, the consequences often fall on innocent people simply trying to get help.
If you or a loved one is struck while stopped on the side of the road, the aftermath can involve serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and long-term recovery. Our firm is deeply rooted in the Middle Tennessee community, and we aggressively pursue accountability when negligence turns a breakdown into a life-altering event. Contact us immediately if you were in an accident and don’t know where to turn. Our team is here to help you seek justice. Call now for a free consultation.