If you take a lot of road trips, make sure you have a good road side service plan. There's no way of know when your car is going to break down. Your road side service plan will ensure that you get the help you need in a timely manner. If you do break down while you're traveling, be prepared to take the right steps. Here are three steps you need to take if your car breaks down.

Get as Far Off the Road as Possible

If your car breaks down, you need to get as far off the road as possible. You want to put as much space between your car and passing motorists as you can. Moving off the road won't just protect you. It will also protect the tow driver that arrives to provide assistance. If you park too close to the road, your driver will need to walk into the lanes of traffic to take care of your car. Not only that, but you're at risk of having someone run into the back of your car. Protect yourself and your tow driver, by moving your car completely out of the traffic lanes.

Give the Tow Driver an Alternate Number

When your car breaks down, you need to be able to communicate with the tow driver. Unfortunately, you never know when your phone is going to have signal problems. If you're traveling with a companion, provide your tow driver with an alternate phone number. That way, they have a better chance of contacting you while they're on their way to help. It's also a good idea to contact a friend or family to let them know where you're stranded at. Provide them with the name and number of the tow company you've contacted. That way, they can contact the tow company if your phone loses signal.

Wait Inside Your Vehicle

If you're stranded on the side of the road, wait inside your car until the tow driver arrives. Waiting inside your car will help keep you from getting hit by passing motorists who might not see you. Once the tow driver arrives, get out of your car and move away from traffic. If your car is going to be towed, go ahead and get in the tow truck while you wait.

When you're traveling, you need to be prepared for any emergency. If your car breaks down, the tips provided here will help keep you and your tow driver safe. Contact a roadside assistance service for more information and advice.