A breakdown on Interstate 20 is one of the most dangerous situations a driver can face — not because of the mechanical failure itself, but because of what's happening around the truck while it sits disabled on an active shoulder. Here's what to do in the first five minutes.
1. Get as far right as possible
If the truck is still moving, aim for the widest part of the shoulder or, if you can reach it safely, an exit ramp. Every extra foot between your rig and live traffic matters.
2. Activate hazard lights immediately
Hazards should go on the moment you sense trouble — before you've even fully stopped. Visibility is your first line of defense on a highway shoulder.
3. Set out reflective triangles
Federal regulations require warning triangles placed at specific distances behind a stopped commercial vehicle. Place them as soon as it's safe to exit the cab, walking against the flow of traffic and staying aware of your surroundings at all times.
4. Call dispatch with your exact location
The faster you can describe your location — mile marker, nearest exit, or a landmark — the faster a technician can be routed to you. If you're not sure of your mile marker, mile marker signs appear regularly along I-20; the nearest exit number is often enough.
5. Stay visible, stay inside when possible
Once your triangles are set and you've called for help, staying inside the cab (belted, with hazards on) is generally safer than standing near the road, especially at night or in poor weather. Wait for your technician's headlights and a call confirming their arrival.
Why response time matters
A disabled truck on I-20 isn't just an inconvenience — it's a hazard to you and to everyone driving past. That's why dispatchers prioritize calls involving unsafe locations, and why our technicians are trained to set up safely on active shoulders before starting any repair.
If you're broken down on I-20, I-520, or anywhere in the Augusta CSRA right now, call American Road Ranger at (706) 351-2678 — dispatchers are answering 24/7.