What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on Krome Avenue
Krome Avenue is the main north-south road through the Redland. It is long, straight and busy with trucks and farm traffic, and in many places the shoulder is narrow. A breakdown here needs a clear plan. This guide gives you one.
Short answer: hazard lights on, move as far right as you safely can or into a side road or lot, stay buckled in unless the vehicle is unsafe, call 911 if anyone is hurt or a lane is blocked, then call a tow. In the Homestead area, call (305) 647-3722,.
What to do in the first minute
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately.
- Signal and ease off the road. A farm road, side street or business lot is better than the shoulder.
- If you must stop on the shoulder, get as far right as possible and turn the wheels away from traffic.
- Set the parking brake.
Stay in the vehicle or get out?
With trucks passing close by, the safest place is usually inside the vehicle with your seat belt on. Get out only if the vehicle is unsafe: smoke, fire, a fuel smell, or you are stopped in a travel lane. If you get out, exit on the side away from traffic and move well away from the road.
Who to call first
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Injury, crash, or vehicle blocking a lane | 911 |
| Vehicle stopped safely off the road | A towing company |
| Smoke, fire or fuel smell | 911, then move away from the vehicle |
How to describe your location on Krome Avenue
Krome Avenue is long, so “on Krome” is not enough. Give the nearest cross street (for example SW 216th Street, SW 248th Street or SW 312th Street / Campbell Drive), your direction of travel, and any landmark such as a nursery, farm stand or gas station. If your phone shows your location, read it to us.
What the driver will need
- Your location and direction of travel.
- Vehicle year, make and model.
- Whether it rolls, steers and brakes.
- Where you want it delivered.
While you wait
- Keep the hazard lights on, day and night.
- Keep doors locked if you are inside.
- Keep water with you in hot weather.
- Save phone battery: lower the screen brightness and close apps.
Preventing breakdowns on rural roads
Have the battery tested once it is three years old, check tire pressure monthly, watch the temperature gauge, and keep at least a quarter tank of fuel. Gas stations are spaced out in parts of the Redland, and a warning light ignored on a long rural stretch often ends with a tow.
Common questions
Move to the nearest side road or lot if the vehicle still moves. If it cannot move, keep hazard lights on, stay buckled in and call 911 if you are blocking a lane.
Yes. Heavy-duty towing is available. Tell us the vehicle type and approximate weight.
Yes, when it is safe to work at your location.
Call (305) 647-3722 with your location, vehicle and destination for a free quote.
Need help now? Call (305) 647-3722. More: towing services · towing FAQ.