Have you ever owned a car that had you offering up a silent prayer every time you started the engine? The longer we own a car, the more likely it is to experience mechanical issues. Of course, brand-new cars also run the risk of engine failure. The important thing for every car-driving member of your family is to have a plan in place when their car breaks down.
Those plans also need to include what you should do if you get involved in a car accident. Not only do you have to protect yourself after an accident, but you also have to collect evidence at the scene.
If you’re unable to drive away from the accident, you’ll want to call for roadside assistance. You must call your own tow company. Some unscrupulous tow truck operators roam around looking for accidents where they can prey on innocent victims and jack up the prices.
Bottom line: you need to be in control of your towing.
The following are some of the best ways to get roadside assistance in Chicago:
AAA Roadside Assistance
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the gold standard for roadside assistance. They provide assistants for members who can ensure their online tool is working properly. Alternatively, members can text “HELP” to 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357) to receive a link to request service. Members have access to 24-hour roadside assistance to help with battery jumps, flat tires, and empty gas tanks. AAA also provides towing services, either directly or through local tow truck operators.
24 Hr. Towing and Roadside
24 Hr. Towing and Roadside offers around-the-clock roadside service for towing services, battery jumps, tire changes, and keys locked inside the car. The company also provides tow services for Logan Square, Lake View, Lincoln Square, Avondale, Humboldt, downtown, and more.
Mobile Battery Man Roadside Assistance
As its name implies, Mobile Battery Man Roadside Assistance focuses on providing battery jumps and replacements. It operates a 24-hour emergency hotline.
Jak Global Rapid Emergency Roadside
Jak Global Rapid Emergency Roadside is another highly rated roadside service. Stranded motorists can call (847) 580-3661 for service.
XL Towing and Storage
XL Towing and Storage offers private property and commercial towing services, as well as support for gas delivery, lockouts, jumpstarts, and tire changes. They also specialize in accident recovery.
Demi Roadside Assistance
Demi Roadside Assistance provides 24/7 roadside services, including tire and battery replacement.
These are just a few of the many top-rated roadside services available in the Chicago area. It would be helpful to program their numbers into your cell phone and the cell phones of every driver in your family. It is equally essential to be prepared for any type of emergency on the road.
Car Emergency Kit Essentials
A car emergency kit can provide you with the essential tools and supplies you need to help in any breakdown scenario. Many of these kits come prepackaged. You can also build your own custom emergency kit. That kit should contain the following items:
First Aid Kit
Every car should have a basic first aid kit, and every driver should be familiar with basic first aid. This is helpful for anyone driving with you and any other motorist you might encounter on the road who needs assistance. You’ll want to stock up your first-aid kit with the following items:
- Adhesive bandages
- Elastic bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic wipes
- Cotton swabs
- Sterile gauze pads
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Instant cold pack
- Latex or nitrile gloves
- Pain relievers
- Scissors
- Tweezers
Emergency Radios
Our smartphones can provide us with a wealth of information, but what if the cell phone battery runs out of charge?
An emergency radio can help keep you informed about emergency alerts, weather warnings, and instructions from authorities during an emergency. These can be utilized when the regular communication channels are down.
Flashlight and Extra Batteries
You don’t know where or when your next breakdown will happen. A flashlight with extra batteries is essential, especially on a dark road outside the city. This flashlight can help with any repairs and signal to the roadside assistance vehicle when it arrives. There are also crank-powered flashlights and lanterns that will work in any circumstance.
Jumper Cables
Any roadside assistance operator you call for help will arrive with jumper cables to start your car. Having extra cables can help if a neighbor or family member needs a jump from the driveway.
Water and Non-Perishable Food
How long could you survive if stranded in your car? Recently, Yahoo News reported that over a hundred drivers were stranded on a New Mexico highway when a freak snowstorm struck. That could certainly happen in a Chicago winter. If you’re stranded in your car for an extended period, you’ll want to ensure you’ve access to water and high-energy snacks for nourishment.
Blankets and Warm Clothing
Speaking of Chicago winters, having blankets and extra clothing is also a good idea to keep you warm if you’re stuck without the heat running. If you’re able to run your car’s heater, do so for only 15 minutes at a time to avoid issues with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Road Flares or Reflective Triangles
When a car breaks down, you might not always be able to pull off to the side of the road. Even if you do, road flares and reflective triangles will help alert other vehicles approaching the situation.
If your roadside emergency is part of the aftermath of an accident, you’ll want to reach out to Thomas Law Offices for support with your insurance claim filing.
We help clients who’ve suffered losses due to the negligence of other drivers.
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