Key takeaways
- Keep a reflective triangle or LED flare in the trunk.
- A charged phone matters more than any other tool.
- Reflective vest turns you visible in seconds.
- Never stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
What to keep in the car
Reflective triangle or LED flare, high-visibility vest, small flashlight, 12V phone charger and cable, a bottle of water, and a phone number for a real roadside service saved to favorites. That kit fits in a glovebox and covers 90% of situations.
Managing the scene
Hazards on, wheels toward the shoulder, and the reflective triangle placed roughly 100 feet behind the vehicle. Stay uphill and upwind of the car if there's any fuel or smoke smell. Never walk between your car and moving traffic.
Nighttime and bad weather
Visibility is the biggest risk at night. Dome light on inside, hazards on, vest on before you exit. In rain or fog, exit on the passenger side, get well off the shoulder, and stay behind the guardrail whenever possible.
Frequently asked questions
Should I raise the hood?
It's a traditional distress signal but not required. Hazards and a reflective triangle are more effective in modern traffic.
What if my phone is dead?
Turn on hazards, tie a light-colored cloth to the driver's door handle, and wait inside with the seatbelt on. CHP patrols California freeways regularly.