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Stay on the Safe Side of the Road - Pulling to the Shoulder in an Emergency Having a vehicle break down can be a stressful experience, and it can also be a very hazardous situation. Your first priority must be safety for your passengers, other drivers and yourself. The NTTA’s safety experts advise finding the nearest exit and driving to a parking lot, if possible. If your vehicle can’t make it that far, pull to the shoulder of the roadway as far away from traffic as possible, and turn on your hazard lights and parking lights to make your vehicle more visible.
“The main thing to remember about roadway shoulders is that they should only be used in true emergencies. Stopping anywhere on or adjacent to a roadway is dangerous,” said Pete Harrison, NTTA risk manager. “You should only stop there if you have no other alternative. Never use it as a place to sleep, read a map, use your cell phone or take a break. In those cases, find a roadway exit and a safe place to park.”
If you must use the improved shoulder on a highway, follow these safety tips:
- Use the paved shoulder to decelerate before stopping as far away from traffic as possible. Ease over; do not decelerate suddenly.
- Take care to look out for any debris on the shoulder that could damage your vehicle.
- Once stopped, turn your front wheels away from traffic. This will help prevent your vehicle from being propelled back into the roadway if it is struck from behind.
- Turn on your hazard and parking lights, but do not attempt to display a reflective triangle or other warning device. With fast moving traffic, the risks of being struck by another vehicle outweigh the benefits.
- Exit your car on the side away from traffic. If you parked next to a barrier wall or guardrail, move behind it to protect yourself from traffic while you wait for help.
- Call for help using a cell phone, and give the operator as many landmarks as possible to describe your location. If you’re on an NTTA toll road, call the NTTA Command Center at (214) 224-2203. The number is listed your TollTag.
- NTTA’s Roadway Customer Service team can come to your aid. Call 972-444-HELP (4357).
- When walking along the paved shoulder, keep as far away from traffic as possible.
- If it is not possible to wait away from your car, or if you consider this to be dangerous, return to your vehicle and wait with the doors locked in the front seat farthest from traffic. Whenever you are seated in your vehicle, it is safest to always have your seatbelt fastened and have all children and passengers properly restrained.
- Never attempt to repair your vehicle on the roadway shoulder. It is too dangerous, particularly on the side nearest to traffic. Always seek professional help.
- Once you have received assistance and your vehicle has been repaired, return to the roadway using the paved shoulder as an acceleration lane, taking care to merge safely and fully with the traffic in the first lane only when you are at a similar speed and there is a large enough gap to do so safely.
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