A flat tire, dead battery, or engine failure can happen when you least expect it. Whether you’re on a busy highway or a quiet back road, a roadside emergency can quickly turn stressful—and even dangerous—if you don’t know what to do.
At Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing in Davidsonville, MD, we’ve been helping drivers through roadside breakdowns for nearly 50 years. Our team offers 24/7 towing and emergency roadside services, and we’ve seen how preparation and calm action can make all the difference.
Here’s what to do—and what not to do—if you ever find yourself stranded.
1. Move to a Safe Location
Your first priority is safety, not immediate repairs. If your vehicle is still running, carefully steer it off the road as far as possible. Choose a flat, well-lit area—preferably the shoulder or an emergency lane.
If your car stalls in a traffic lane and won’t restart, turn on your hazard lights immediately. Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until it’s safe to exit or help arrives.
2. Make Your Vehicle Visible
Visibility saves lives during roadside emergencies. Other drivers need to see you from a distance to avoid accidents.
- Turn on your hazard lights right away.
- If you have them, place reflective triangles or flares 10–15 feet behind your vehicle.
- At night, keep your interior light on to increase visibility.
These small steps help protect both you and passing drivers.
3. Stay Inside Your Vehicle When Possible
It may feel natural to get out and inspect the damage, but staying inside your car is often safer—especially if you’re on a busy road or highway.
If you must exit (for example, if you smell smoke or see flames), move to a safe distance away from traffic, ideally behind a guardrail or embankment. Always exit through the side facing away from oncoming cars.
4. Call for Professional Assistance
Once you’re safe, call a trusted towing and roadside assistance company—like Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing.
Our 24/7 emergency response team can help with:
- Flat tire changes
- Fuel delivery
- Jump-starts and battery replacements
- Lockout assistance
- Local and long-distance towing
We typically arrive within 30 minutes for local calls in Davidsonville and surrounding areas. Our trained technicians handle your situation quickly and carefully—so you can relax knowing help is on the way.
5. Avoid Accepting Help from Strangers
While most people have good intentions, it’s best to wait for professional roadside assistance. Unfamiliar individuals may not have the proper tools, equipment, or training—and their involvement can sometimes create new safety risks.
If someone stops to offer help, stay polite but remain inside your vehicle. Let them know that Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing is already on the way.
6. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle
Preparation can make any roadside emergency easier to handle. Every driver should carry a small emergency kit that includes:
- Reflective triangles or safety flares
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables or a portable battery pack
- Basic first-aid kit
- Blanket and bottled water
- Cell phone charger
- Nonperishable snacks
Keeping these items on hand ensures you can stay comfortable and visible while waiting for help.
7. Schedule Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Many roadside emergencies are preventable with routine vehicle maintenance. Weak batteries, worn tires, and low fluids are some of the top causes of breakdowns.
Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing provides full-service maintenance and inspections to catch small problems before they leave you stranded. From oil changes to brake checks and tire rotations, our experts keep your car reliable year-round.
Stay Safe and Call Catlett’s for Help Anytime
Roadside emergencies can happen to anyone—but knowing what to do and who to call makes all the difference. Whether you need a tow, jump-start, or flat tire repair, Catlett’s Auto Service & Towing is always ready to help.
📞 Call 410-798-5446 for 24/7 roadside assistance anywhere in Davidsonville and surrounding areas.
Since 1976, Catlett’s has been the trusted name for towing and auto service—offering fast response times, honest pricing, and dependable care when you need it most. With us on your side, you’ll never face a roadside emergency alone.