Move you and any passengers out of the traffic lane before you worry about the car — stand well off the roadway, ideally behind a barrier or past a guardrail, not beside the vehicle. Turn on hazards, call Detroit Towing at (313) 631-1184 with your exact location, and stay put until the truck arrives.
Why does getting off the road matter more than anything else?
A stopped vehicle gets hit by moving traffic far more often than people expect, especially on a shoulder that isn't wide or well-lit. If there's a shoulder, a lot, or even a driveway within walking distance, moving yourselves there — and leaving the car where it is — beats staying put where a distracted driver can reach you.
What do you tell dispatch that actually speeds things up?
Exact cross streets or a nearby landmark matter more than a general neighborhood name, since Detroit Towing dispatches out to 20 communities and a vague location adds guesswork to the drive. Mention which direction you're facing, whether you're blocking a lane, and what's actually wrong with the car — that's what lets dispatch send the right truck instead of guessing.
Is it safer to wait inside the car or outside it?
On a highway shoulder, get out on the side away from traffic and move past the guardrail if there is one — sitting inside a stopped car there puts you in the path of anything that drifts. On a quiet street or in a parking lot, staying inside with the doors locked is usually the more comfortable, reasonably safe option.
Does checking your phone for updates actually help?
Only if you're the one making the call — ring (313) 631-1184 and dispatch can confirm the truck is still coming and roughly how the timing is tracking. That does more good than refreshing a map that isn't tracking anything for you in real time.
Should I stay in my car or get out while I wait?
It depends on where you are — on a highway shoulder, get out and move past the guardrail or well off the roadway; in a parking lot or on a quiet street, staying inside with the doors locked is usually fine. Traffic speed and how much shoulder you have decide it, not a fixed rule.
What should I have ready when the truck arrives?
Your keys, ID, and a way to pay, plus a clear idea of where the vehicle needs to go if it's not the shop. If the parking brake or gear is doing something unusual, mention it when you call — it changes how the truck loads the car.
Can I ride along in the tow truck?
That depends on the driver and the situation at the time, so ask when you call (313) 631-1184 rather than assuming either way. It can vary by vehicle and by how the car is being loaded.