A step-by-step guide for handling vehicle breakdowns safely and getting fast roadside help
Hey, Max is here from Express Towing. If you’ve ever had your car quit on you in the middle of Highway 316 or outside a packed school pickup lane in Lawrenceville, you know the panic. Engines stall. Tires blow. Batteries die. And it always seems to happen at the worst possible time.
We have helped thousands of drivers across Northeast Atlanta — from Alpharetta to Lawrenceville. Today, I’m breaking down exactly what you should do when your car breaks down, especially if you’re sitting on a high-traffic road like I‑85, Peachtree Industrial, or Sugarloaf Parkway.
1. Stay Calm and Get Off the Road (If You Can)
Safety first. The worst thing you can do is panic.
Do this:
- Turn on your hazard flashers immediately.
- If possible, steer the car to the shoulder or nearest exit. If your car is dead and you are not sure how to put it in neutral, here is the quick tip – find a small square/rectangle cap near gear shifter, pop it and stick in your key or screwdriver until it you feel it pressed – then shift it into neutral so the car can roll.
- Avoid stopping on curves or just over hills where other drivers can’t see you
If you’re in a high-speed zone like SR400 or I‑85, getting out of the traffic flow quickly can prevent a chain-reaction crash. I’ve seen fender benders become pileups because a stalled car was just a few feet too far into a lane.
2. Stay Inside Unless It’s Unsafe
It might feel instinctive to hop out and wave for help — don’t.
Stay in the car unless:
- There’s smoke or fire
- The vehicle is in danger of being hit
In those cases, exit the car from the side away from traffic, and find a spot behind a guardrail or far off the shoulder, wait until help arrives.
We had a customer once who walked into traffic trying to flag someone down—just don’t do it. We got to him safely, but it was too close for comfort.
3. Make Yourself Visible
Whether it’s midnight or high noon, visibility saves lives.
Essentials:
- Use hazard lights
- Open the hood if it’s safe (signals breakdown to others)
- Use reflective triangles or cones if you’ve got them
At Express Towing, we keep flares and cones in all trucks, because visibility is everything—especially on those dark stretches between Norcross and Chamblee.
4. Don’t Rely Solely on Your Insurance Provider or AAA
We get calls every day from people saying: “I called AAA or my insurance tow line an hour ago… still nothing.” Truth is:
- AAA’s average wait time is 90+ minutes
- Insurance roadside help often subcontracts to limited third-party networks
- After 11 PM? It’s almost impossible to get someone out same-night. That why we operate 24/7
And here’s the kicker — some insurance companies raise your premiums after you use roadside coverage. Yes, even for a jumpstart.
Calling local towing companies like Express Towing gets you faster, better-equipped service — with no insurance claim and real humans picking up the phone.
Georgia Breakdown & Crash Stats You Should Know: Georgia recorded over 385,000 vehicle crashes in 2022, with 1,786 fatalities — many caused by stalled or disabled vehicles not safely removed from roads. Gwinnett County alone had 26,522 crashes and 79 fatalities in 2022, making it one of Georgia’s most accident-prone counties. High-risk breakdown zones include: I‑85 corridor, SR‑316, Buford Hwy, Peachtree Industrial, and Sugarloaf Pkwy. Fatal accidents often involve disabled vehicles struck at night or during poor weather. Most common breakdown-related calls we receive: flat tires (41%), dead batteries (28%), and overheating (14%).
5. Know Who to Call (and Save Their Number Now)
Let’s face it — Googling “towing near me” on the side of the highway isn’t ideal.
Save a local, reliable number like Express Towing: (678) 584-1778
We serve:
- Duluth (Downtown to Buford Hwy)
- Lawrenceville (316, Sugarloaf Pkwy, Scenic Hwy)
- Alpharetta (SR400 corridor, North Point Mall)
- Norcross, Johns Creek, Cumming, Buford and beyond
One call. One team. 24/7 response. We’ve got flatbeds, wheel-lifts, jump kits, jacks, tire change tools — you name it.
6. If You Must Wait, Be Smart About It
Depending on where you’re stuck, you might be there for 10 minutes—or an hour. Here’s how to wait smart:
- Keep your seatbelt on if you’re in traffic
- Lock your doors
- Crack a window if it’s hot
- Watch your mirrors
Avoid standing behind or in front of your car. We’ve seen drivers waiting behind their trunk get clipped by distracted traffic. It’s not worth it.
7. Document the Situation (Especially After a Collision)
If your breakdown involves an accident, take a few quick actions:
- Snap photos of your vehicle and surroundings
- Exchange info if another driver’s involved
- Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage
Then give us a ring. We’ll coordinate with local law enforcement to tow your car, clean up debris, and get you moving.
8. Let the Pros Handle Loading and Transport
We’ve seen customers try to:
- Push cars up onto flatbeds
- Tie ropes between bumpers
- Drive on flat tires “just a little farther”
Don’t. Seriously. You risk:
- Drivetrain damage (especially AWD vehicles)
- Frame damage if the car bottoms out
- Voiding warranties on modern vehicles
We’ve got tools like soft straps, skates, and low-profile ramps to load your car without a scratch. Let us do it right the first time.
9. Ask for Recommendations If You’re Not Sure Where to Tow
Many customers don’t have a go-to shop. That’s okay — we work with the best.
In each city:
- Glamour Auto Body in Norcross to repair body damage of any difficulty
- Johnson Automotive in Johns Creek – 5 star car mechanic for bmw, mercedes, audi and more.
- DMA Automotive in Duluth – quality auto repair trusted by thousands of locals.
- Plus dozens of trusted mechanics across Metro ATL
We can tow to your house, your shop, or store your car securely if you’re still deciding.
10. Be Prepared for Next Time
Breakdowns happen to everyone. You can’t always avoid them, but you can be ready:
Keep a Roadside Kit:
- Jumper cables or a battery jump box
- Tire inflator or air compressor, Fix a Flat (liquid aerosole) fewer times saved it for me personally.
- Flashlight
- Phone charger
- First aid kit
- Water bottle/snacks
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic, Be Prepared, and Call Local
Breakdowns feel scary, but with a plan in place and the right number in your phone, you’ll stay safer and get help quicker.
We’re proud to be the first call for thousands of drivers in Gwinnett, Fulton, and the surrounding areas.
So from one Georgia driver to another — take care, stay alert, and if your vehicle decides to take a nap on the freeway, give Express Towing a call. We’ll bring the truck, the tools, and maybe even a cold bottle of water.