How to Interact Safely with a Stranded Driver on the Highway

The experience of encountering a stranded motorist can be both challenging and heartening. It is essential to remain cautious while still being compassionate. Here are some guidelines to help you react safely and effectively when you notice a car parked by the side of the highway.

Assess the Situation

When you see a car parked by the side of the highway, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your safety and the driver’s assistance:

Approach with Caution: Pull over at a safe distance, roll down your window, and confirm whether the driver is in need of help. Ensure your vehicle is secure and that you are in a position to help without putting yourself at risk.

Ask Questions: Inquire how you can help. This act of inquiry provides an opportunity to ascertain if the situation is genuine and whether the driver truly needs assistance.

Assess Credibility: If you have any doubts or fears, briefly inquire to confirm the situation. Look around carefully for any hidden intentions or signs of deception.

Provide Assistance: If the driver is in need of immediate help, you can offer items like food, water, or money. However, it is important to avoid leaving the scene alone and to ensure that the situation is under control before stepping away.

Call for Help: If the situation looks severe, call the Highway Patrol or local police for assistance. Do this while you wait with the driver to ensure their safety.

Real-Life Example

I recently encountered a similar scenario while driving on the freeway. I saw a car parked by the side of the highway, and a well-dressed mature woman was walking away from the vehicle. I stopped to offer my assistance, as I always keep a handgun for self-defense.

Upon approaching, I asked the woman if she needed help. She explained that all she needed was the mile marker number closest to her car, which would help the dispatched Auto Club support vehicle driver locate her location when bringing gas for her car.

I provided her with as much information as possible to assist her, and then I continued on my way as she returned to her car to wait for Auto Club assistance. This interaction was a reminder that some stranded drivers may only need help with details, while others may require more substantial assistance.

Protective Measures

Even in today’s world, where incidents of highway hijacking and carjacking are prevalent, it is crucial to weigh the risk against the potential reward of helping a stranded motorist. Here are some steps to ensure your safety and the driver's needs are met:

Be Prepared: Always keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle, including a fully charged phone, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Having a basic firearm for self-defense is also advisable.

Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with local emergency services and know the procedures for contacting them.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and err on the side of caution. Better to proceed with caution than to be caught unawares.

Communicate with Others: If possible, have a friend or family member give you a signal if you are in a potentially dangerous situation.

Leave a Contact Number: Before you leave, make sure the stranded motorist has a way to contact you or their emergency services. This can help create a sense of accountability and ensure that help is on the way.

Conclusion

Encountering a stranded motorist can be a challenging experience, but with the right approach, you can help without compromising your safety. By following these guidelines and being prepared, you can make a positive impact in the life of a stranded motorist and ensure your own safety.

Key Takeaways:

Approach cautiously.

Avoid leaving the scene alone.

Call for help if necessary.

Be prepared with emergency supplies.

Trust your instincts.