A wet road, a tight turn or a moment of distraction can put a car in a ditch. It happens in Lake Park and Riviera Beach, especially after heavy rain when the ground is soft. Here is what to do, and what to avoid, until help arrives.
Step 1: Check that everyone is okay
If anyone is hurt, call 911 first. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
Step 2: Make yourself safe
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- If the car is near traffic or water, get out carefully and move to a safe spot away from the road.
- If staying in the car is safer, keep your seat belt on and wait for help.
Step 3: Do not keep trying to drive out
Spinning the wheels digs the car in deeper and can damage the tires and the drivetrain. Pushing the car by hand on a slope can be dangerous. Stop and call for help.
Step 4: Call a recovery service
Tell the operator:
- Your exact location or the nearest cross street.
- What kind of vehicle it is.
- How steep or deep the ditch is and what the ground is like.
- Whether the car is on its side, nose down or still level.
Our page on ditch and embankment recovery explains how we handle these jobs.
Step 5: Stay safe while you wait
- Stay away from the road and the vehicle if traffic is close.
- Keep children and pets away from the road.
- Take your phone, keys and valuables with you.
What not to do
- Do not use another car to pull yours without the right equipment. A snapped strap can cause injury.
- Do not stand behind or beside the car while it is being recovered.
- Do not rock the car back and forth in soft ground.
After the recovery
Once the car is out, have it checked before you drive. Look for tire damage, leaks, bent parts and warning lights. If the car does not drive right, we can tow it to a shop.
Stuck in Lake Park or Riviera Beach?
Elevated Tow Truck Experts, 108 Miller Way, Lake Park, FL 33403. Call (561) 594-5891 for a free estimate.