What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down on America’s Most Scenic Roads
Scenic drives across the United States—whether along mountain cliffs, desert highways, or coastal routes—offer incredible views but can become dangerous places to break down. Remote locations, limited cell service, narrow shoulders, and unpredictable weather all make roadside emergencies more challenging on these iconic roads. Here’s how to stay safe if your vehicle falters far from help.
1. Pull Over as Safely as Possible
At the first sign of trouble—strange noises, warning lights, loss of power—move to the safest part of the shoulder or an available turnout.
- Avoid stopping on blind curves or narrow cliffside stretches.
- Turn on hazard lights immediately.
- If you have reflective triangles or flares, place them behind your vehicle when it’s safe to do so.
Staying out of active traffic lanes is your biggest priority.
2. Call for Help if You Have a Signal
Leaving the vehicle to look for assistance can be dangerous on remote or winding roads. If you can, stay inside with your seatbelt on.
You can:
- Contact roadside assistance through your insurance or auto club
- Call a nearby mechanic or towing company
- Share your GPS location with emergency services if needed
On many scenic roads, response times can be long due to distance and limited services.
3. Handle Only the Simple Fixes
If help is far away and you know how to fix the issue safely, you may be able to address:
- A flat tire
- A loose battery cable
- Overheating (after the engine cools)
But only attempt repairs if you’re well off the roadway and feel confident doing so. On tight shoulders or high-traffic scenic routes, even basic tasks can be risky.
4. If You Can’t Stay Safely, Get to Somewhere You Can
There are situations where staying with the vehicle puts you at greater risk—such as blind turns, extremely narrow shoulders, or severe weather. If:
- You cannot fix the issue
- Help cannot reach you
- Staying puts you in danger
…you may need to carefully flag down a passing driver or move to a safer, more visible location. Use caution and trust your instincts.
5. Prepare for These Roads Before You Go
Many breakdowns aren’t caused by negligence—they’re caused by rough road conditions, potholes, and remote environments. Before any trip on scenic or isolated roads:
- Fill up your tank
- Check tire pressure and tread
- Bring water, snacks, and a charged power bank
- Carry an emergency kit (tools, flashlight, reflective triangles)
- Download offline maps
When help is far away, preparation makes the biggest difference.
Final Thoughts
Breaking down on one of America’s beautiful roads can be stressful and even dangerous, but the right steps can keep you safe until help arrives. Stay calm, stay visible, and prioritize your personal safety over your vehicle.