By Charlotte Smith
A lot of folks were ready for five o’clock this Friday due to the long holiday weekend ahead. In Tar Heel, just past Smithfield, on Highway 87 North we saw a NC Highway Patrol Officer on his hands and knees helping a stranded motorist change her flat tire.
By the time we turned around to capture the scene in a photo an employee with a Thompson’s Small Engine Repair truck had arrived and started helping with the tire change.
Traffic is expected to be heavier on the highways this weekend due to the Labor Day holiday. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety offers the following tips on their website for motorist.
Blowouts
When a tire blows, there is a loud noise and the car begins to swerve. If that should happen, do the following:
- Hold the steering wheel tightly and try to keep the car straight on your side of the road.
- Take your foot off the gas to reduce speed.
- Do not apply the brakes until the engine has slowed the car to allow you to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
Break Downs
- Exit the main part of the road or move the vehicle completely onto the shoulder of the road.
- Leave the car by the passenger side and do not allow passengers to remain in the car.
- Stand off the road and away from the car. Do not stand in front of or to the rear of the vehicle.
- If you need help, tie a white cloth to the left door handle or the radio aerial and raise the hood of the car.
- If it is dark, turn on the parking lights or emergency flashers. Always have flashlights or flares in your car for emergencies.
- If the vehicle becomes disabled on the roadway, do not remain in the vehicle. Activate your car’s hazard lights. Stand off of the roadway while waiting for assistance.
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