• If you do not have a cell phone, consider whether a nearby location has a pay phone. It's a good idea to carry extra coins or a prepaid long-distance phone card just for emergencies.
• Always be mindful of your surroundings. At night, carry a flashlight.
• If there is no telephone available within a safe walking distance, try to get the attention of other drivers. Seek out law enforcement officers if possible.
• If a stranger offers to take you to a phone, decline the offer. Instead, ask the person to make the call for you.
• In some circumstances when there is no other alternative, you may need to rely on the help of a stranger. Should this be your only alternative to get help, ask for identification including name, phone number and address before accepting assistance. Write this information down and leave it with another person, or in the vehicle, explaining where you are going, when you expect to return and what you hope to accomplish.
• If you choose to exit the vehicle, do so safely and well away from oncoming traffic and your vehicle. If possible, you and any passengers should exit through the side of the vehicle facing away from the road. In most cases, the passenger side of the vehicle allows for greater distance from oncoming traffic and may be safer than exiting via driver-side doors.
• If you determine help is within walking distance, think about whether it's safe to leave your vehicle or passengers for a short period of time. Assess traffic conditions and ensure your contemplated route is safe for pedestrians. If you leave your vehicle, place a note on the dashboard listing where you are going for help and the time you left.
• If you choose to stay inside your vehicle where you're comfortable, safe and secure, keep the windows almost closed and the doors locked. It's very dangerous to lower your windows or open your vehicle doors to strangers. If a stranger does stop to offer help, ask the person to call for Roadside Assistance.
• If you are threatened or harassed while waiting in your car, honk the horn repeatedly and flash the lights to attract attention.
• Don't leave the engine on for extended periods to heat or cool the vehicle. You could put yourself and any passengers at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Next: What to expect from Roadside Assistance. >>