A breakdown on I-75, I-85, I-20, or the Connector is stressful and risky. This guide walks you through what to do, in order, so you stay safe, get the right help, and avoid costly mistakes. It is written by Rapid Towing Atlanta, a local 24/7 tow company.
Quick Answer
If your car breaks down in Atlanta, do these things in this order.
- Turn on your hazard lights right away
- Steer to the right shoulder, as far from traffic as you can
- Park, set the brake, and turn the wheels away from the road
- Exit on the passenger side if you can do so safely
- Call 911 if you are hurt, in a travel lane, or in danger
- Call a tow or roadside service and give your exact location
Step 1: Get Out of the Travel Lane
The moment something feels wrong, such as a warning light, a loss of power, a shake, or a strange noise, switch on your hazard lights. Do not brake hard. Ease off the gas, let the car slow down, and steer toward the right shoulder.
Atlanta interstates carry fast traffic and heavy trucks, so even a short time in a travel lane is dangerous. If you can reach an exit, a parking lot, or a wide shoulder, aim for that. If the car stops with part of it still in the lane, keep your hazards on and treat it as an emergency.
Once you stop, put the car in park, set the parking brake, and turn the front wheels away from the road. That way the car is less likely to roll into traffic if another vehicle hits it.
Step 2: Decide Whether to Stay In or Get Out
On a busy highway, the safest place is usually outside the car and well away from traffic. A car parked on the shoulder can be hit by a driver who drifts or falls asleep. If you can get out safely, use the passenger side, bring your phone, and wait behind a guardrail or up an embankment.
There are exceptions. If there is no shoulder, traffic is passing very close, or it is dark and raining hard, staying buckled in with your hazards on may be safer than walking along the road. Never stand between your car and traffic, and never cross lanes on foot. If you feel unsafe, call 911 and say so.
Heat Warning
In summer heat, do not leave children or pets in a parked car. If you cannot get them out of the heat safely, call 911 first.
Step 3: Make Your Car Easy to See
Keep your hazard lights on the whole time. If you carry reflective triangles or flares, place them behind your car only when you can walk there safely, which on a fast highway is often not the case. Raising the hood can signal that your car is disabled, but only do it if you can without stepping toward traffic.
If you smell fuel or see smoke, move far away from the car and call 911 instead of trying to fix anything.
Step 4: Call the Right Help
Not every breakdown needs the same call. Use this list to pick who to contact first.
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt, the car is in a travel lane, there is smoke or fire, or you feel unsafe. Do this before you call a tow company.
- GDOT HERO units patrol parts of the metro Atlanta interstates and may help with minor problems. Service and hours can change, so check 511ga.org.
- Rapid Towing Atlanta at (470) 903-1003 handles tows, jump starts, lockouts, tire changes, and fuel delivery. A dispatcher answers at any hour.
Step 5: Tell the Dispatcher Where You Are
The most useful thing you can tell a tow dispatcher is your location. Georgia interstate exit numbers match mile markers, so the highway name, the nearest exit number, and your direction of travel (northbound, southbound, eastbound, or westbound) help a driver find you fast. On I-285, say whether you are on the inner or outer loop.
Have these details ready before you call:
- Your vehicle make, model, and color
- What happened and any warning lights or noises
- Whether the car will start, roll, and steer
- Whether it is all-wheel drive, lowered, or an electric vehicle, since some cars ride safer on a flatbed
- Where you want the car taken
Not sure which truck you need? Read about flatbed towing.
Georgia’s Move Over Law
Georgia’s Move Over law, O.C.G.A. 40-6-16 (also called the Spencer Pass Law), requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights to move into a lane away from it if that is safe. If they cannot, they must slow to a speed below the posted limit and be ready to stop. The law also covers stationary tow and recovery vehicles that are using cones or flashing lights.
Good to Know
The published code lists fines of up to $500 for violations involving emergency vehicles and up to $250 for violations involving tow, maintenance, and utility vehicles. Penalties can change, so check the current law on Justia.
Our drivers work on the shoulder in all weather. When you see a tow truck with amber lights on, please move over or slow down.
What to Do for Common Breakdowns
Dead battery
Clicking sounds or no lights often point to a dead battery. A jump start can get you moving if the battery is still good. See our roadside assistance page.
Flat tire
Do not change a tire on a busy highway shoulder. A roadside technician can mount your spare, or we can tow you.
Overheating
Pull over, turn the engine off, and wait. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Call for a tow if it keeps overheating.
Out of fuel
Stay safe and call for fuel delivery. Do not walk along the highway for a gas can.
Mistakes to Avoid After a Breakdown
Most injuries happen after the car has stopped, when people stay near moving traffic. Please do not:
- Stand or sit between your car and traffic
- Try to repair the car on a busy shoulder
- Walk along the interstate for fuel or help
- Accept a tow before you hear the price
- Leave children or pets in a hot car
Be careful with unsolicited help. A tow truck that shows up at a breakdown or crash without being called may quote a high price after your car is hooked up. Before you agree, ask for the company name, the price, and where the car is going.
What Happens When the Tow Truck Arrives
A professional driver should confirm your name, vehicle, and destination, and tell you the price before hooking up. Many vehicles ride on a flatbed so the wheels do not roll. It helps to take photos of your car before it is loaded.
Curious about the whole job from call to drop off? Read our six stage towing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first if my car breaks down on a highway in Atlanta?
Turn on your hazard lights, steer to the right shoulder, park, and set the brake. Get away from traffic if it is safe. Call 911 if you are in danger, or call a tow company if you are safe.
Should I stay in my car or get out?
If you can exit safely, it is usually best to get out on the passenger side and wait well away from traffic. If there is no safe place to stand, stay buckled in with your hazards on and call 911.
Who do I call for a breakdown in Atlanta?
Call 911 for injuries, fire, or a car in a travel lane. For a tow, jump start, lockout, tire change, or fuel, call Rapid Towing Atlanta at (470) 903-1003. Georgia DOT HERO units may also help on some interstates, so check 511ga.org for current service.
How do I tell a tow company where I am?
Give the highway name, nearest exit number or mile marker, and your direction of travel. On I-285, say inner or outer loop. A nearby landmark or business also helps.
Do I have to move over for a tow truck in Georgia?
Yes, when a tow or recovery vehicle is stopped and using cones or flashing lights. Change lanes if it is safe. If not, slow to a speed below the posted limit and be ready to stop.
How long will it take for a tow truck to arrive?
It depends on your location, traffic, and how busy it is. Our dispatcher gives you an estimate when you call and sends the closest truck.
Can a dead battery be fixed at the roadside?
Often yes. A jump start can fix many dead battery problems on the spot. If the battery will not hold a charge, you may need a tow.
Sources and Notes
Georgia Code 40-6-16 (Move Over law): Justia. Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety: Move Over Law. Georgia traffic and HERO information: 511ga.org.
This article is general safety information, not legal advice. Read our disclaimer.