What to Do When You Run Out of Gas

Have you ever run out of gas on the road before? For some reason every driver will go through this experience at least once in their lives. In fact, it happens so often that many car insurance, driving clubs, and vehicle dealerships offer roadside assistance programs for exactly this kind of situation. However, if you have never gone through this scenario, it is entirely all too easy to overreact. To keep that from happening, simply follow these easy guidelines and everything will be all right.

• Don't panic. When you first realize that you are out of gas, it is all to easy to overreact and begin to panic. Instead of allowing that to happen, you need to keep yourself under control. The only thing that panicking allows you to do is make rash choices and get into situations that don't do anyone any good. Take a deep breath, and carefully think about what your next few steps are going to be before you make any plans.
• Move the car. If your car ran out of gas while you were driving on the highway or even the street, then chances are you were likely able to get it off to the side of the road. However, if you weren't, then you need to move it out of the way of traffic as soon as you possibly can. This will help protect not only you and your car, but also anyone else that happens to come along. You really don't want to cause a traffic accident, do you?
• Call for help. After you have moved your vehicle off to the side of the road, you need to call for some help. The easiest way to do this is by taking out your cell phone and calling a friend, family member, or if you happen to have one, your roadside assistance program. If you don't have a cell phone, then you may need to walk to the nearest pay phone.
• Make a sign. While it would be nice to think that someone will simply stop and help you, chances are that they won't if you are sitting in your car. For some reason many people think that those sitting in a car on the side of the road is just fine. If you would like to get a little help, then you need to make a sign that says what the problem is. For example, simply writing down "Help! Out of Gas!" can work wonders.
• Walk to the nearest town or gas station. If all else fails you will need to walk to the nearest town or gas station to get some replacement gas. Before you do this make sure that you know which direction to walk in, and that you have some comfortable shoes. Take along some water and something to block out the sun if you can. In addition, when you leave make sure that you mark the time and direction that you traveled on your sign so that those who come and find your car will know which way you went.