If You Get Lost Or Stranded

Even if you are familiar to an area, it can be easy to get lost or stranded while driving. Construction detours, vehicle mechanical problems, accidents, and other factors can quickly disrupt your driving and your plans.

There's no need to panic. There are steps you can take to ensure your passengers, your vehicle, and yourself remain safe and secure. The best way to deal with unfamiliar streets, roadways, and highways, or with breakdowns, overheated engines, and warning lights, is to be prepared before they happen.

This means having a map of the area in which you are driving, a charged mobile phone, drinking water for those in the car (including pets), and spare blankets and clothing. These are simple things you can easily have in the car, and they can be extremely helpful and sometimes vital if you are driving and get lost or stranded.

Situations when motorists are lost or stranded also highlight the benefits of having roadside assistance service, which will provide both directions and guidance―as well as assistance in the case of a stranded vehicle.

If You Are Lost

If you are driving and find yourself lost, there are some technological advances that can assist you. These include OnStar-type vehicle services or an on-board mapping and a global positioning system (GPS).

The majority of motorists don't have these tools, but they can still take advantage of good old-fashioned maps. It's a good idea to pick up a map of a city or region when driving there, particularly if it is not where you live.

Grab a map when you buy fuel or food. You can usually find good maps at most local service stations and markets, and they will set you back only a few bucks. It is definitely worth the investment if you get lost.

The best way to use a map is to zero in on your destination and the route to get there. Keep an eye out for key streets to cross, noting which streets mean you have gone too far. Use major freeways, rivers, cities, mountains, and other landmarks to orient yourself with where you are and the where it is on the map.

If a map is difficult to read, or is rendered less informative because of construction or other detours (or simply becomes frustrating to figure out), fold it as best you can and set it aside.

Another option is to use your mobile phone to call a contact at your destination, or someone familiar with the area. You can tell them where you are and where you are trying to go, and hopefully they can provide some guidance.

If you don't have a mobile phone or a contact, the time-tested practice of asking locals for help is your best option. You can start with employees or managers at nearby businesses. If the directions are quick and concise, the person probably knows exactly where you need to go.

But if the directions are slow, inconsistent, or generally unsure, they should be viewed with skepticism. If you've pulled over to get directions, you can take the time to get a second opinion. It might save you from getting even more lost.

If You Are Stranded

If you find yourself on the road all alone, you are unsure of where you are, or your vehicle breaks down, you should make sure you and your vehicle are safely off the road. If the best you can do is to get the car just off the road onto the shoulder, it is best for you and all passengers to leave the car in case it is struck by a passing motorist.

You should turn on your hazard lights, and this will help signal your need for help to other motorists who might be able to offer the use of a mobile phone if you don't have one. This will also let law enforcement officials know you are in need of assistance, and it will safely alert other drivers to your disabled vehicle.

Although you should exit the vehicle to remain safe, you should stay near it. If you have a mobile phone, try to contact your roadside assistance service, a nearby tow company, or the state patrol or other law enforcement in the area. If you can't get a signal or don't have a mobile phone, you should wait for law enforcement or a tow company to reach you.

Some state's freeways also have emergency call boxes located along the roadway, so you might be able to walk to an emergency phone―but use caution when walking along busy highways and roads.

References and Further Reading

• GPS (Wikipedia)

• OnStar

• Nevada Freeway Service Patrol