Stranded on the highway? Here’s what to do

According to AAA, each year around 610 persons are killed and thousands more are maimed or severely injured while they are standing on the shoulder of interstates across the United States.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind if you find yourself stranded on the highway.

Here’s what to do if you find yourself stranded on the side of a road or interstate:

• Call 9-1-1 for police assistance, or your roadside assistance such as AAA, if you have one
• If you can, guide your vehicle to the far right shoulder, as far off the road as possible
• Turn on emergency flashers immediately to alert other motorists
• If you cannot guide the vehicle to side of road, consider leaving the vehicle. Do not stand near the front or rear of the vehicle in case it is struck by another vehicle

>> More people expected to travel this holiday season than in 2020

“If you do exit the car, walk in safe places. An interstate or highway is not a safe place to walk. Crossing an interstate or highway is never a good idea. Traffic is traveling at a high rate of speed,” according to AAA Miami Valley & Northwest Ohio.

• If you're out of fuel, consider calling roadside assistance such as AAA which provides limited fuel delivery, or use an app such as Honk for gas delivery or Uber for a ride away from the scene
• Make note of your location by uses mile markers, landmarks, road signs or buildings
• If you do walk on foot, don’t do so distracted by texting or using headphones

Source: AAA, others