What to do when your truck breaks down on I-78 or US-22
A truck stopped on the side of I-78 is one of the most dangerous places on the road. If you break down, the first job is not the repair. It is getting yourself safe and visible. Here are the steps, in order.
Get off the road if you can
If the truck can still move and it is safe, ease it to an exit, a ramp, or the widest shoulder you can reach. Getting out of the travel lane is worth a lot. If it cannot move, do not force it into traffic.
Hazards on, triangles out
Turn on your hazard flashers right away. Then set your warning triangles. Federal rules under 49 CFR 392.22 call for three: one about 10 feet behind on the traffic side, one about 100 feet back, and one about 100 feet ahead, placed within 10 minutes. They give other drivers time to see you.
Stay out of the truck's path
Once you are visible, keep yourself safe. Get behind the guardrail if there is one, and do not stand in the lane or between your truck and traffic. If anyone is in danger or it is an emergency, call 911 first.
Call for help with your location
Call us with your mile marker or exit and a quick description of what happened. We will dispatch a qualified roadside provider for a tow or roadside help, or for many repairs we can send a tech to you. The more we know, the right the help we send.
Know what failed, if it is safe to look
A tire, an air problem, a no-start, a warning light: knowing which one helps us bring the right fix. Only check if you can do it without stepping into traffic.
What we do
We dispatch a provider for a tow or roadside help, or come to you for many repairs, from our shop on the US-22 and I-78 corridor in Breinigsville. You can find the work on our truck repair services page, and our note on what roadside covers explains your options.
FAQ
What is the first thing to do in a truck breakdown?
Get safe and visible: hazards on, triangles out, and stay clear of traffic.
Where do I place warning triangles?
About 10 feet, 100 feet behind, and 100 feet ahead, per federal rules, within 10 minutes.
Does Royal tow my truck?
We connect you with a qualified roadside provider for a tow. For many repairs we can come to you.
What if it is an emergency?
If anyone is in danger, call 911 first.
If you break down near the I-78 and US-22 corridor, call Royal Truck Repair at (610) 841-2521 and we will get the right help moving toward you.