What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

A highway breakdown can be stressful and dangerous. Here is a step-by-step guide to staying safe and getting help fast when your vehicle stops on a busy road.

Breaking down on a highway is one of the most stressful situations a driver can face. Traffic is moving fast, visibility can be poor, and knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a big difference to your safety.

The first thing to do is stay calm and get your vehicle off the road as safely as possible. If you can still move, steer toward the right shoulder and get as far from the travel lanes as you can. Turn on your hazard lights immediately — even before you fully stop.

Once stopped, stay in your vehicle if it is safe to do so. On a busy highway, standing outside your car puts you at serious risk from passing traffic. If you must exit — for example, if there is a fire or your car is in a dangerous position — get well away from the road and stand behind a barrier if one is available.

Call for help right away. In Oregon, you can call 911 for emergencies or *55 (star 55) on your cell phone to reach the Oregon State Police non-emergency line. For a tow, call Mian Towing LLC at (503) 984-0458 and give us your exact location, the nearest mile marker or exit, and a description of your vehicle.

If you have road flares or reflective triangles, place them behind your vehicle to warn approaching drivers — but only if you can do so safely without stepping into traffic. Keep your hazard lights on at all times.

Do not accept help from strangers who stop uninvited. Wait for a licensed tow operator or law enforcement. Mian Towing LLC serves the entire Portland metro area and can reach most highway locations within 30–60 minutes.