Lifestyle
Cy-Fair Fire Department Offers Roadside Safety Tips
April 15 2023
Flat tires are the second most common cause of breakdowns on the freeway. If you have a flat tire and your car can be moved, it’s safer to drive to the next exit than stay on the freeway. A rim can be replaced, a life cannot. (Houston TranStar)
If you experience a flat tire on the highway:
- Don’t stop in traffic.
- If you're on the interstate or highway, pull over to the shoulder as soon as possible, then drive slowly to exit the highway. If you're in an urban area, pull over into a parking lot or driveway. And if you're in a rural area, pull off the road anywhere it's safe to do so.
- Use proper signaling when getting off the main lanes. Do not aggressively pull your vehicle over as we do not want you to cause an accident.
- Get your vehicle completely away from the roadway before attempting to change a tire.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- At night, do not forget to turn on your hazards. The Cy-Fair Fire department recommends that you do not attempt to change your tire on a dark roadway.
- If you need to exit your vehicle while on the shoulder, exit from the door away from traffic, if possible. Make yourself highly visible. A safety vest can be purchased at any auto store and can be stored under your seat for emergencies.
- Call your vehicle assistance provider to assist if you cannot get off the roadway.
For more safety tips from the Cy-Fair Fire Department, please visit cyfairfd.org/safety-tips.html.
About Cy-Fair Fire Department
Harris County Emergency Services District #9 (HCESD #9) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas and serving the Cy- Fair area as a taxing district to support your emergency services, such as fire suppression and ambulance services (EMS). Established in 1984, the district is governed by a board of five commissioners who are elected for 4 year terms. They must be residents or property owners in the district. For more information, please visit cyfairfd.org.
