Car broken down in San Jose? What to do while you wait for help

Get out of moving traffic if you safely can

If you still have control of the vehicle, signal and move toward a safe stopping place. Use your hazard lights to make the stopped car easier to see. Don't force your way across lanes to reach a particular shoulder or exit.

Once stopped, take a moment to look at your surroundings. Is the car completely outside the traffic lane? Is there room beside it? Is there smoke, a fuel smell, or another immediate hazard?

The California Driver's Handbook advises pulling safely onto the right shoulder. If you can't get clear of traffic, call 911 and describe exactly where you're stopped. Don't try to push the car across a freeway lane.

Should you stay in the car?

For a vehicle safely stopped on a freeway shoulder, the DMV's general advice is to wait inside with your seat belt fastened. It also recognizes exceptions: a narrow shoulder and a safe area beyond a barrier can change the safer choice.

If you must leave, use the side away from traffic when you can do so safely. Don't cross traffic lanes or stand beside the car to wave at drivers. Tell the emergency dispatcher what you can see and follow their instructions for your situation. Read the DMV's breakdown guidance.

Fire changes the situation. Get everyone out, move at least 100 feet from the burning vehicle and away from traffic, and call 911. Don't go back for belongings or open the hood to investigate a fire. U.S. Fire Administration vehicle-fire advice.

Give a location a driver can actually find

“I'm on 101 in San Jose” is a starting point. The direction and nearest exit make it much more useful.

Have these details ready if you can see them safely:

• The freeway number and your direction of travel.
• The nearest exit, road sign, or cross street.
• Whether you're on the shoulder, a ramp, or a surface street.
• Your car's make, model, color, and the number of people with you.

For example, a useful description would be: “I'm northbound on US-101, on the right shoulder, just past the exit shown on my map.” Replace that last part with the actual exit name. Don't walk along the shoulder looking for a sign.

A location pin helps too, but mention the direction and side of the road. CHP also asks callers for the freeway, direction, nearest ramp, and a brief description of the problem. CHP calling guidance.

Know about 511 Freeway Assist

For a non-emergency breakdown on a Bay Area freeway, you can dial 511 and say “Freeway Assist.” The operator can connect you with appropriate roadside help.

Freeway Service Patrol assistance may be available depending on your location and the time. Assistance outside that program can involve standard towing charges, so don't assume every service arranged through 511 is free. 511 Freeway Assist.

Before you arrange a tow

Say what happened in ordinary language: “The engine stopped while I was driving,” “The tire is flat,” or “The car won't start.” You don't have to name the failed part.

Mention an electric or all-wheel-drive vehicle, damaged wheels, or a car that won't roll or steer. If you're in a parking structure, give the entrance clearance and level. Those details help a towing operator assess access and choose appropriate equipment.

Ask where the vehicle will be taken, what the quoted charge includes, and whether the estimated arrival time works for you.