Stalled Vehicles are Much More than an Inconvenience

Nobody wants to experience a stall on the road or to encounter a stalled vehicle in traffic. However, most people don’t think of breakdowns as potentially fatal. Rather, they tend to be associated with delays, frustration, and perhaps costly repairs.

A stalled vehicle presents a significant risk, both to the occupants of the broken-down car or truck and others sharing the road. Earlier this month, two people were killed on the North Freeway when a stalled Dodge Charger was struck by another vehicle, leading to a multi-car accident. The August pile-up was just one of several recent fatalities linked to stalled vehicles. For example:

  • In March, a man who had exited a stalled vehicle on the Eastex Freeway and retreated to expected safety on the side of the road was killed when another vehicle struck his stalled truck and the struck spun, spinning the driver to the concrete barricade.
  • In May, a driver was killed when he crashed into the rear of a stalled flatbed trailer on the westbound service road between Eldridge and Highway 6.
  • In July, a passenger in a stalled vehicle on Beltway 8 was thrown from the car and killed when the stopped vehicle was rear-ended.

The free towing service recently introduced on some Houston freeways aims to make the roads safer by getting stalled vehicles out of the flow of traffic as quickly as possible. Tow and Go differs from the previous Safe Clear program in one significant way: with Tow and Go, a short tow to a safe location is free.

While free short-range towing solves one problem, making it possible to get more stalled vehicles off the road quickly and efficiently, it’s important that drivers, passengers, and operators of other vehicles take appropriate action from the moment automotive problems begin.

Safe Management of Stalled Vehicles

All drivers play a role in avoiding stall-related accidents. For operators of other vehicles, the strategies are simple and should be regular practice for all drivers. For example:

  • Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you
  • Be aware of escape routes so you are prepared to avoid a vehicle that comes to an abrupt stop in front of you
  • Be aware of the vehicles around you and adapt if another car is slowing, turns on its flashers, or otherwise shows signs of trouble
  • Never assume that another driver can or will be the one to adjust in order to avoid a collision.

Good breakdown management begins with avoidance. Although some vehicle problems arise suddenly, many can be prevented with proper maintenance and awareness of the vehicle’s condition before and during the trip. For example:

  • Make sure all tires are properly inflated and monitor pressure regularly
  • Check the condition of tires and replace tires that are worn, uneven, or damaged
  • Make sure critical fluids, such as oil and coolant, are clean and maintained at appropriate levels
  • Monitor gauges while driving and stop before trouble arises if a warning light comes on or the engine is running hot.

When problems do arise in traffic, it’s best to get off the road if you can do so safely. When attempting to maneuver off of the road during a breakdown:

  • If possible, turn on your flashers to alert other drivers
  • Avoid abrupt moves and signal before changing lanes or pulling off the road
  • In the event of a tire blowout or similar problem, take your foot off the gas and decelerate naturally rather than slamming on the brakes.

If you’re not able to get out of traffic:

  • Turn on your flashers and do anything else you can safely do to make your car visible and the problem visible to other drivers
  • Do not use flares unless you are able to safely exit the vehicle and place them at a safe distance without walking around in traffic
  • Never work on your car or attempt to push your vehicle in traffic
  • If remaining in the car until help arrives seems the safest alternative, keep your seat belts on.

Always remember that free towing simply minimizes the time the hazard remains on the roadway—it isn’t a full solution. It’s up to you as a driver to take the necessary safety measures until help arrives.

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