What to do if your car breaks down on I-95
"Stranded on I-95? Follow these 5 safety steps for a breakdown in Philadelphia and Bucks County. Call ARS Towing for 24/7 roadside help."
Breaking down on Interstate 95 is a stressful experience. As one of the busiest highways in the United States, the high speeds and heavy traffic through the Philadelphia corridor make safety your absolute priority.
If you find yourself stranded near Southampton, Bensalem, or Center City, follow these essential steps to stay safe while waiting for a tow.
1. Get Off the Road Immediately
If your engine begins to sputter or a warning light flashes, do not wait for the car to stop completely.
Signal Early: Use your turn signals to move toward the right shoulder.
Aim for an Exit: If possible, try to reach an exit ramp or a rest area. These are much safer than the narrow shoulders of I-95.
Avoid the Left Lane: Never pull over into the left median unless it is your only option. Getting back into traffic from the left is extremely dangerous.
2. Increase Your Visibility
Once you are stopped, you need to make sure other drivers—and emergency services—can see you.
Hazard Lights: Turn on your "four-way" flashers immediately.
Hood Up: If it is safe to exit the vehicle (away from traffic), pop your hood. This is the universal signal that you need assistance.
Warning Devices: If you carry reflective triangles or flares, place them well behind your vehicle to give high-speed traffic plenty of warning.
3. Stay Inside the Vehicle
On a high-speed highway like I-95, the safest place to be is inside your car with your seatbelt fastened.
Exit Through the Passenger Side: If you must get out to check a tire or the engine, always exit through the door facing away from traffic.
Keep Your Wheels Turned: Turn your steering wheel away from the road. If someone hits your car from behind, this prevents your vehicle from being pushed into the flow of traffic.
4. Know Your Location
When you call for help, "I’m on I-95" isn't enough information for a tow truck driver to find you quickly. Look for:
Mile Markers: These small green signs are located every few hundred feet.
Exit Names: Note the last exit you passed (e.g., Exit 35 for Woodhaven Rd).
Landmarks: Are you near the Philadelphia intersections, the Betsy Ross Bridge, or heading toward Bucks County?
5. Call for Professional Towing
Don't trust your safety to a random passerby. You need a professional service that understands the layout of the PA interstate system.
ARS Towing & Recovery provides 24/7 emergency roadside assistance and towing along I-95, the PA Turnpike, and throughout the Philadelphia metro area. We specialize in:
Emergency jump-starts and tire changes.
Flatbed towing for accidents or mechanical failures.
Winched recovery if you’ve slid off the road.
Need a Tow Now? > Don't stay stranded on the shoulder of I-95. Call ARS Towing at (267) 230-3637 for fast, reliable service in Southampton, Philadelphia, and beyond.
