Stopping a problem from happening is only part of the safety discussion. Do you have a plan for when all else fails, and you have to deal with an emergency head-on? As you plan your next road trip, consider a few of these before and after preparation techniques to avoid danger while preparing for emergencies at the same time.
Embrace Technology While Keeping It Simple
There are multiple approaches to staying safe during an emergency. Some people rely on emergency services offered by towing services, while others prefer to know as much as towing services, mechanics, and survivalists at the same time. The face of technology is constantly changing, but tech enthusiasts are always on the look for the newest device or tech service that could come in handy in any situation--including roadside emergencies.
Your best chances of preventing an emergency is a healthy mix of everything. Learn basic maintenance techniques such as the safe way to check coolant levels, oil levels, and how to swap a spare tire. Don't shun smartphones, just don't rely on them as your only way out of trouble. Finally, be able to find your location with road landmarks, maps, and a compass.
The age of smartphones, tablets, and mobile devices have a lot to offer. With mobile data or Wi-Fi (wireless internet from a modem or router), you can look up local services, get your location, and get online maps to help you find your way. Instead of relying on the internet alone, you should download offline maps as well to help you find your way.
Smartphones are notoriously terrible with battery life compared to the older flip phones or other cellular phones. For this reason, make sure to pack a mobile charger and keep it above 50% charge. Limit your phone use, and if your vehicle breaks down, stop using the mobile device for entertainment.
Navigating Outage Areas
Smartphone and internet culture is deeply ingrained in modern culture, but there are still some parts of the world that either permanently lacks network access or have fairly regular outages. You need to map out your trip to know when you're in a blackout area.
There are some outages that you can't plan for. Network failure happens, and you'd be simply unlucky if your vehicle happened to break down during the beginning of a random outage. For the most part, you can use maps such as OpenSignal to figure out where the signal should be, where the outages currently are, and whether your travel path takes you into areas with no coverage at all.
If you find yourself stranded in an area with no coverage, studying the map beforehand can help you figure out the shortest path to coverage. If you plan on hiking, camping, or otherwise dwelling in the no-coverage area, be sure to look up areas with landline communications or some other working form of contact in order to contact towing, rescue, and other emergency services.
Contact a towing service professional to get help with a roadside emergency response before heading out on your trip. Contact a company like Maggio Truck Center for more information and assistance.
Share8 February 2018
When was the last time your car died unexpectedly? Although car trouble can sometimes sneak up on you, you can be ready whenever your car dies by knowing how to call for help when you need it. I started thinking more seriously about getting ready for a tow truck driver when my vehicle began having a lot of electrical problems, and I am really glad I made those initial steps in the right direction. This website is all about getting ready for your next tow, and understanding how to eliminate problems along the way. Read more about towing on this blog.