Recheck the scene after the call
Traffic, smoke, fluid, weather, water, lighting, or vehicle position may change while you wait. Call 911 if an ordinary breakdown becomes an immediate police, fire, medical, or active-lane emergency.
Tommy'sRoad RescueCall live dispatch816-588-8888Safe waiting after the call
How to Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow Truck
Call live Kansas City dispatch at 816-588-8888 for current availability.
Start with the immediate safety decision
The period after requesting help is still part of the roadside incident. Your safest waiting position depends on traffic, the shoulder, weather, vehicle condition, nearby barriers, passengers, and instructions from emergency personnel—not simply on whether a tow truck is expected.
Step-by-step
Choose the safer waiting position
If the vehicle is well clear of high-speed traffic and has no fire, smoke, flooding, or instability, remaining seat-belted inside may reduce roadside exposure. If staying is more dangerous, move to a protected place away from traffic without crossing live lanes.
Keep people together and accounted for
Plan for children, older adults, passengers with mobility or medical needs, and pets. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Tell dispatch about a person who needs immediate medical, temperature, accessibility, or emergency assistance.
Stay visible but out of the work zone
Use appropriate vehicle warning lights and remain where approaching traffic and the operator can identify the scene without you standing next to a traffic lane. Do not wait between vehicles, behind a disabled vehicle exposed to traffic, or inside an expected loading or recovery path.
Keep communication available
Conserve phone power, keep the dispatch callback audible, and report if the vehicle moves, police arrive, access closes, the destination changes, another provider appears, or the request is canceled. Do not assume a missed call leaves the assignment unchanged.
Verify the arrival before approaching
Match the operator and truck to the company or dispatch details you received. Communicate from a protected position and approach only when the operator indicates it is safe. The operator may need to assess traffic, wheels, damage, access, and loading space before anyone moves around the vehicle.
What to know or prepare
Phone readiness
Charged phone, callback volume on, safe static location pin, dispatch number, and a backup passenger contact when available.
Occupant needs
Children, pets, temperature exposure, medications, mobility needs, safe shelter, water, and any symptom or condition requiring emergency help.
Vehicle handoff
Keys, owner instructions, personal-property plan, visible damage, wheel condition, destination, receiving hours, and authorization.
Scene changes
New warning lights, smoke, leaks, traffic exposure, weather, police or property directions, blocked access, or another vehicle stopping nearby.
Important limits
- There is no universal rule to stay inside or exit; the safer choice depends on the immediate scene and official instructions.
- Do not stand in a lane, cross a high-speed roadway, sit on a barrier beside traffic, or occupy the operator's loading or recovery area.
- Do not accept an unsafe ride, enter an unidentified vehicle, or share payment credentials before confirming who has arrived and what was authorized.
- An estimated arrival time can change with traffic, weather, prior calls, access, equipment, and scene conditions.
Questions drivers ask
Is it always safer to wait inside the car?
No. A seat-belted position inside a vehicle safely clear of traffic may reduce exposure, but fire, smoke, rising water, instability, impact risk, extreme conditions, or emergency instructions may make another protected location safer.
Where should I stand if I must leave the vehicle?
Move away from moving traffic and the disabled vehicle's potential impact, loading, or recovery path. Do not cross active lanes. Use a barrier or protected property only when it can be reached safely and does not create another hazard.
What should I do if the tow truck cannot find me?
Call live dispatch. Repeat the state, road, direction, exit or cross street, shoulder or entrance, vehicle description, and a safe static pin. Do not enter traffic to flag down a truck.
Can I work on the car while I wait?
Only if the vehicle is in a genuinely safe work area and the task is within your ability. Never attempt a tire change, jump start, inspection, or under-vehicle work where moving traffic, fire, fluid, instability, weather, or poor visibility creates danger.
Official and primary resources
MoDOT Tips for Breakdown
Missouri safety guidance on staying with the vehicle, avoiding traffic lanes, and not changing a flat near moving traffic.
NHTSA Roadside Emergency Kit
Federal vehicle-safety guidance for a roadside kit, including a charged phone, first-aid supplies, flashlight, water, and other essentials.
NHTSA Hot-Car Prevention
Federal guidance emphasizing that children should never be left unattended in a vehicle.
911.gov Calling 911
When immediate police, fire, or medical help becomes necessary while waiting.
External resources are provided for convenience. Tommy's is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of those organizations.
Related guides
Safety first.
If anyone is injured, in immediate danger, facing a fire or hazardous spill, or blocking an active traffic lane, call 911 first. Move only when you can do so without entering traffic or increasing the danger.
Need help now?
Call live dispatch. An online form or email does not dispatch a truck.