Stranded at Night? 7 Safety Tips While Waiting for a Tow Truck in LA

A car breaks down on the 101 at 11pm… what do you do next?

Getting stuck on the side of the road is never fun—but when it happens after dark, it can feel even more stressful and unsafe. Whether you’re broken down on a busy freeway like the 405 or pulled over on a quiet side street in the Valley, your safety should be the first priority. At Valley Cat Towing, we’ve helped countless drivers get home safe, and we’re sharing our top safety tips for waiting on a tow truck at night in Los Angeles.

1: Pull Over to a Safe, Well-Lit Location (If Possible)

• Aim for the shoulder, parking lot, or wide turnout

• Avoid blind curves or narrow roads

• Turn your wheels away from traffic if on a slope

2: Stay Visible

• Turn on your hazard lights

• Use road flares or reflectors if you have them

• Raise the hood—universal sign of a breakdown

3: Stay Inside Your Vehicle with Doors Locked

• Unless you’re in immediate danger, it’s safer inside

• Keep your seatbelt on if parked on a busy shoulder

• Don’t accept help from strangers—wait for your licensed tow truck

4: Share Your Location

• Call a family member or friend to let them know where you are

• Use Google Maps or iPhone “Share My Location”

• Confirm the tow truck company and driver name when they arrive

5: Keep Emergency Supplies Handy

• Flashlight, phone charger, water, first aid kit

• Blanket or jacket in cold weather

• Safety apps

6: Choose a Trusted, Local Tow Company

• Always ask for the company name and confirm before unlocking doors

• Work with licensed, reviewed towing companies like Valley Cat Towing

• Mention your service area and 24/7 response time

7: Stay calm and prepared

• Need reliable help fast? Valley Cat Towing is available 24/7 in the San Fernando Valley and greater LA. Save our number now—you’ll be glad you did.
  Call or text (818) 253-1546
  We’ll walk you through the process.