Broke down on Highway 17? Here's exactly what to do

Breaking down is never fun. It's even worse on a busy, fast road like Highway 17. Out here, between Ravenel and Jacksonboro, it can be dark and lonely. Safety is the first thing you need to think about. Knowing what to do can keep you and your family safe until help arrives.

Get off the road safely

Your first priority is to get your vehicle out of the flow of traffic. Signal, then slow down carefully. Try to pull as far to the right as you can. The shoulder on Highway 17 can be narrow in spots. If there's a side road, a gas station, or a business nearby, try to make it there. Even a few hundred feet can make a big difference. Once you're stopped, turn on your hazard lights right away. This makes your vehicle much more visible to other drivers, especially in the dark or during one of our sudden Lowcountry downpours.

Stay safe outside or inside your car

Now, look around. Is it safe to get out of your car? Traffic on Highway 17 moves fast, often 55 mph or more. If you're on a narrow shoulder with cars flying by, it might be safer to stay inside. Keep your seatbelt on and your doors locked.

If you can get out safely, do it. Get as far away from the road as possible. If there's a guardrail, stand behind it. If not, walk well into the grass. You want to be out of the way of any distracted drivers. Be extra careful at dusk or dawn. Deer are common out here, and they don't always look both ways. A summer storm can also make conditions dangerous, reducing visibility for everyone.

Calling for help

Once you're safe, it's time to call for help. When you call a tow company, they'll need some important information to find you quickly.

Say you're on Highway 17, and which direction you were heading, toward Charleston or toward Walterboro. The best way to pinpoint your location is by mile markers, the small green signs on the side of the road. If you can't find one, give landmarks. Are you near the bridge over the Edisto? Is there a gas station or cross street nearby? The more details you give, the faster the truck finds you. Also mention what kind of vehicle you're in, its color, and what happened, so the right equipment comes out.

Beware of uncalled "helpers"

Sometimes, after a breakdown, an unsolicited tow truck shows up. That's a red flag. If you didn't call them, be wary. Some companies pressure people into services they don't need or charge inflated prices at the worst possible moment. Always confirm the driver's identity and the company they work for. If you called us, our driver will confirm it's Mitchell's when they arrive.

Local matters here, too. A company based nearby is already in the area and knows these roads, which usually means a faster arrival than a national roadside club that farms your call out to whoever's available.

When the truck arrives

The first step is making the scene safer. The driver will use lights to alert oncoming traffic, then look over your vehicle and the situation. Most passenger vehicles and light trucks ride on a flatbed.

The driver positions the flatbed, winches your vehicle up carefully, and secures it with heavy-duty straps so it doesn't move during transport. If it's safe, you can usually ride along. From there the vehicle goes to a repair shop, your home, or wherever it needs to be.

Breaking down is stressful, but it doesn't have to be dangerous. Stay calm, get safe, and call a local company you can trust. Mitchell's runs 24/7 emergency towing out of Ravenel. When you need us, call (843) 813-6335.