A roadside emergency can occur at any time, to any person who is driving. These emergencies can range from a mechanical malfunction or flat tire to a health issue. Knowing what to do in an emergent situation can lower the risk of harm to you, your vehicle and other drivers.

Prepare an emergency kit and keep it in the trunk of your vehicle at all times. This kit should have a bottle of water, blankets, flares and a flashlight, at the very minimum. When an emergency occurs, pull as far to the side of the road as you can. Make sure your vehicle is visible to other drivers. Use flares in front of and behind your vehicle. If you have a mechanical issue, lift the hood of the vehicle.

You should not get out of your vehicle on the side with traffic going by. Instead, exit through the other door. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on if there is nowhere safe to sit or stand away from your vehicle. If you choose to get out of your vehicle, make sure you do not stand next to, in front of or behind it. Many drivers don’t pay attention and strike stalled cars on the side of the road. If you are near your vehicle you could get injured.Keep looking, there’s more: GM debuts next step in vehicle-to-vehicle communications w/video