I-75 through Atlanta is one of the most unforgiving places in Georgia to have a service breakdown. Traffic moves fast, lanes are narrow, and shoulder room varies from generous to almost non-existent. On I-75, the distance between the curb and moving traffic is narrow, and safety relies on making quick, smart decisions before help arrives to ensure a bad situation isn't made worse.
Get as far from moving traffic as you safely can
If the vehicle is still rollable, coast to the right shoulder if possible. If you are near an exit, take it, even if it means ruining a rim or tire. An off-ramp or gas station parking lot is infinitely safer than any Interstate shoulder. If you're stuck on the left shoulder, steer as far left as possible, away from traffic lanes, but stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
Make your car visible
- Turn on your hazard lights immediately — leave them running day or night.
- At night, keep interior lights on so passing drivers can clearly spot your vehicle.
- Raise your hood or tie something white to a side mirror if it's safe to exit the vehicle.
- Set out reflective triangles or flares only if you can do so without walking into traffic.
Decide whether to stay in the car
This depends on where you are stopped and your surroundings. If you are stopped on a narrow shoulder with traffic passing feet away, staying inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on is often the safer choice — the car offers structural protection. If you can safely move far off the highway (beyond a guardrail or barrier), doing so gets you away from the danger zone completely. Never wait or stand near the traffic side of your vehicle. Exit through the passenger door if you must get out.
Know your location before you call
When calling for help on I-75, location precision is critical. Note highway direction (Northbound or Southbound), the nearest mile marker or exit number, and key landmarks. GPS apps on your phone can also give you exact cross streets or coordinates to help tow drivers locate you quickly.
What to tell the towing company
- Exact location: Highway, direction, nearest exit or mile marker.
- What happened: Flat tire, engine overheating, dead battery, or accident.
- Vehicle type: Make, model, color, and whether it rolls, steers, and shifts to neutral.
- Where you need the vehicle taken: Local shop or home address.
- How many passengers are with you, including children.
One FCRA customer described getting a flat tire around 4:27 AM on I-75 North. They called several companies before reaching us. Our team dispatched a truck, safely navigated the highway shoulder on I-75 near Atlanta, and completed the tow quickly and safely to get them out of danger.