Roadside safety

Broken down in San Jose? Do these five things first.

A breakdown on US-101 near the airport, on I-280 through downtown, or on I-680 climbing toward Milpitas is not the same as one in a parking lot. Speeds are high, shoulders are short, and the safest move is often the one that feels least urgent. Here is the order that keeps you safe while a flatbed is on the way.

1. Signal before you stop

The moment you feel a blowout, overheating or a dead battery, switch on your hazard lights. On US-101 and I-280 traffic closes fast, and hazards are what buy you space.

2. Get as far right as possible

Aim for the right shoulder, an exit ramp, or a lit surface street. Avoid the left-hand shoulder on I-680 and I-880 — it is narrow through the interchanges and leaves no safe standing room.

3. Stay in the vehicle, belted

On a freeway shoulder you are safer inside with your seatbelt on than standing outside. Only exit if there is smoke, fuel smell or fire — then move well behind the guardrail, never in front of the car.

4. Place flares or triangles if it is safe

Set reflective triangles roughly 10, 100 and 200 feet behind the vehicle, walking against traffic so you always see what is coming. Skip this step at night on a blind curve — call instead.

5. Call for a flatbed, share your marker

Give the highway number, direction of travel and the nearest exit or mile marker. That single detail is usually the difference between a 20-minute and a 45-minute arrival.

Which San Jose roads cause the most call-outs

US-101 — stop-and-go heat soak between Story Road and SR-87 is hard on cooling systems and batteries.
I-280 — short shoulders through the downtown curve; a flatbed is usually safer than a hook here.
I-680 / I-880 — grades and truck traffic mean blowouts and overheating are common in summer.
SR-87 & SR-85 — narrow ramps where staying inside the vehicle matters most.

Why a flatbed, not a hook

All-wheel-drive cars, low-clearance sedans, EVs and any vehicle that will not roll or steer should ride on a flatbed. Lifting only two wheels can damage a drivetrain or an underbody battery pack. If you are unsure what your car needs, call and describe it — we will tell you honestly.

Stranded right now in San Jose?

Call (559) 944-8178

Or request a truck online — your phone number is your tracking number.