WASHINGTON – Pulling over to the shoulder along a road with high speeds isn’t necessarily the safest spot to stop during a roadside emergency.
AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Lon Anderson says Sunday’s fatal hit-and-run on the Baltimore Washington Parkway and a tow truck driver who was killed along the Capitol Beltway in December are reminders of the dangers to drivers.
“It’s just very, very dangerous. No matter how well you’re marked, if you’re on the side of the road, bad things can happen,” he says.
Anderson recommends that drivers try to exit the highway and find a parking lot or side road before pulling over to inspect their vehicle.
But if drivers must pull over along the highway, Anderson says drivers can take some steps to increase their safety.
Illumination is key especially at night. Drivers should use reflective triangles, flares or the vehicle’s flashers to warn approaching traffic. Drivers might also call 911 to ask if a police vehicle is nearby to help.
Staying inside the car may or may not be the safest place. Anderson says if there is a guardrail, stand on the other side of it.
