Vehicle breakdowns are never convenient, but they can be especially stressful when they happen on busy highways like the Adirondack Northway (I-87) or along Route 9 in the Plattsburgh area. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, engine trouble, a dead battery, or an accident, knowing what to do while waiting for help can make the situation safer and less overwhelming.
At Hoffman Towing, we provide emergency towing in Plattsburgh, NY and surrounding communities 24 hours a day. Here are a few important steps to follow if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.
Move to a Safe Location
If your vehicle is still operational, carefully move it as far off the roadway as possible. On I-87, try to reach the shoulder, an emergency pull-off area, or the nearest exit if it can be done safely. If your vehicle cannot be moved, stay calm and activate your hazard lights immediately.
Avoid stopping in travel lanes whenever possible. Creating distance between your vehicle and moving traffic helps reduce the risk of secondary accidents and improves visibility for approaching drivers.
Turn On Your Hazard Lights
Hazard lights alert other motorists that your vehicle is disabled and help improve visibility, especially during nighttime hours, rain, snow, or fog. If you have reflective triangles, road flares, or emergency markers available, place them at a safe distance behind your vehicle if conditions allow.
Stay Inside Your Vehicle When Appropriate
If you’re stopped on the shoulder of a busy highway such as I-87, it is often safest to remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened while waiting for assistance. Exiting your vehicle near fast-moving traffic can be dangerous.
However, if your vehicle is in an unsafe location, such as a travel lane or an area at risk of being struck by other vehicles, move to a safe location away from traffic if possible.
Have Important Information Ready
When calling for an I-87 tow truck service, having accurate information available helps speed up dispatch and allows the towing operator to arrive with the appropriate equipment.
Be prepared to provide:
- Your exact location or nearest exit number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
- Description of the problem
- Whether the vehicle is drivable
- Number of passengers
- Any special circumstances, such as an accident or vehicle stuck off-road
The more information you can provide, the faster your service request can be processed.
Keep Your Phone Charged
Your phone is often your most important communication tool during a roadside emergency. If possible, conserve battery power while waiting for assistance. Keep your phone available in case dispatch or your towing operator needs to contact you for updated location information.
How Hoffman Towing’s 24/7 Dispatch Works
When you contact Hoffman Towing, our dispatch team immediately gathers information about your location and vehicle needs. We then coordinate with the nearest available operator to provide the fastest possible response.
Our 24 hour wrecker service in Plattsburgh serves drivers throughout Plattsburgh, the Adirondack Northway corridor, Route 9, and surrounding communities. Whether you need towing, recovery, or roadside assistance, our goal is to get help to you quickly and safely.
Dependable Roadside Assistance When You Need It Most
Unexpected breakdowns can happen to anyone. Knowing how to respond safely while waiting for help can protect you, your passengers, and other motorists on the road.
If you need roadside assistance near me in Plattsburgh, emergency towing, or professional recovery services, Hoffman Towing is available 24/7 to provide dependable support whenever you need it.
Need Immediate Assistance?
Call Hoffman Towing today for fast, reliable emergency towing and roadside assistance throughout Plattsburgh and the surrounding North Country region.
