Immediate safety steps
- Hazard lights on immediately
- Coast to the right shoulder, exit, or parking lot
- Turn wheels away from traffic
- Stay inside with seatbelt on if traffic is heavy
- Exit away from traffic only if it's safe
- Never stand behind or beside the car
DFW highway tips
On I-635 LBJ, SH-183, I-35E, and the George Bush Turnpike, shoulders can be narrow and express lanes have barriers. TxDOT's Courtesy Patrol and Dallas County's freeway service patrols help clear stalled vehicles on many major roads.
What to tell the mechanic
Share your location (nearest exit or mile marker), vehicle, and what happened: warning lights, noises, smoke, or smells. Pin your location from your phone's map.
What can be fixed roadside
Dead batteries, flat tires, broken belts, blown fuses, loose battery cables, and many sensor issues can be repaired on the spot. Overheating cars may need to cool first.