Driving into a ditch can be something you can get out of without the help of a tow truck. But many times for your safety and the safety of others its best to call a towing service to help. Here are some helpful tips if you find yourself in this situation...
SAFETY First! • SAFETY First! • SAFETY First!
Your first priority should always be safety. This is especially true for busy streets and highways. First, take a look at yourself and your passengers to confirm whether or not injuries were incurred during the slide off. If someone is hurt, including yourself, contact 911 emergency services immediately.
Put your parking brake on to prevent further sliding or movement. Do not step out of your car until you are sure there is no oncoming traffic. It's best to get out of the passenger door (or whichever door does not face the street).
Sometimes, you do not need to get out of the car if it can simply be driven back onto the road. But for larger and steeper ditches, driving out might present more of a challenge. If you are unable to get out of the vehicle call Carter's Towing & Recovery immediately at 352.245.3123
2nd...Change the Load Weight
If your car is not driving out of the ditch, you may need to alter the load weight. This means changing around your cargo to allow better inertia. If you do not have much cargo, then this may not be a necessary step. If you do have cargo, take out as much as you can, and then try to drive out of the ditch, Lighter weight sometimes helps give a vehicle the boost it needs.
3rd... Improve Traction
Things like rock, gravel, sand, and dirt can make your tires spin in place, rather than spring you from the ditch. In some cases, if this is your problem, try adding some extra traction behind each tire. Use anything that can work, including floor mats, wood boards, cardboard, paper, and even clothing. For front-wheel drive vehicles, place the items in the front of the tires.
4th...Call for Roadside Assistance
If none of the above methods work for you, your best option is to call a 24-hour roadside assistance service for prompt and professional towing recovery. At Carter's We have the resources to pull your car out of a ditch, safely and conveniently. 24/7 CALL 352.245.3123
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