Quick answer: get the car as far off the road as you can, turn on your hazard lights, and get yourself away from traffic. On a highway with no safe place to stand, stay in the car with your seatbelt on. Call 911 if your car is stopped in a live lane.
The time between breaking down and the tow truck arriving is when you’re most at risk. Here’s how to stay safe and make the pickup quicker.
Get off the road
- If the car still moves, get it onto the shoulder, a side street or a parking lot.
- Turn the wheels away from traffic and put the parking brake on.
- Turn on your hazard lights. At night, leave the parking lights on too.
Decide whether to stay in the car
- On a city street or in a parking lot: if there’s a safe sidewalk or building, wait there, away from traffic.
- On a highway, bridge or in a tunnel: if there’s no safe place to stand, stay in the car with your seatbelt on. Don’t stand between your car and traffic.
- If the car is stopped in a live lane and you can’t move it, call 911.
Make yourself easy to find
- Share your exact location: a map pin, the nearest cross street or the highway exit number.
- Tell us which direction you’re facing and anything nearby we’ll recognise.
- Keep your phone charged and nearby so we can call when we’re close.
Get ready for the tow
- Find your keys and any wheel-lock key.
- Take valuables, documents and anything you need out of the car.
- Note any damage, so you have a record.
- If someone is with you, ask about riding along when you book.
Watch out for unrequested tow trucks
Only let the company you called tow your car. If a truck arrives and you didn’t call it, ask who sent it and check with your company before you agree to anything.
Waiting in bad weather
In winter, keep a blanket, gloves and a charged power bank in the car. If you run the engine for heat, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow.
Need help now? Call or text 604-265-5888, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 11pm. See emergency towing.