Who You Gonna Call?
When considering membership in an emergency roadside service plan*, query your local agent about the following considerations:
Size restrictions. Is there a restriction on tow-vehicle size/weight to qualify for coverage?
Towing services. If towing is required, how far will the plan cover, how will the bill be paid? Will the trailer be towed also? Is there a restriction on trailer size/weight? May the trailer be loaded with horses?
Fuel/water. Will the service supply fuel (gasoline/diesel) and water?
Lock outs. Will the service open your tow vehicle and/or trailer in case you get locked out?
Flat tires. Will the service change a dually flat? Tires with split rims? Are there any tire-size restrictions? Will the service cover trailer flats?
Availability. Is the service available 24/7, including holidays? Is the service available everywhere, such as out of state, across the nation, on United States Forest Service roads?
Cost. What's the cost difference between service levels? (You might need to choose, for instance, among "basic," "expanded," and "deluxe" service plans.) Is there a toll-free emergency roadside service number?
*One motor plan designed specifically for the traveling horse owner is the US Rider Equestrian Motor Plan (800/844-1409; www.usrider.org). This service will cover emergency road repairs not only on your tow vehicle but also on your horse trailer. The plan also includes an emergency stable locator, emergency veterinarian referrals, and emergency trip interruption veterinary service.
Light Flares
Once you've pulled over, estimate how far off the pavement edge you're parked. Most states require you to set flares if you're within five feet of the pavement's edge. However, for visibility, it's best to set flares anytime you're forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road. This is especially true at night or during a storm.
Carry about eight to ten flares in your emergency kit; ideally, you'll place four flares behind your trailer and two flares in front of your tow vehicle. Flares are best for emergency situations, as they emit a constant light in dark conditions. They're also inexpensive, easy to store and handle, won't blow away, and won't burn out in the rain.
In a pinch, a good alternative is reflector triangles. Carry about six to eight in your emergency kit to supplement your flare stash, just in case.
To light a flare, peel back the protective covering from the top end. With a quick, match-striking motion, strike the flare end on the pavement. The friction will light the chemical inside the flare.
Here's how to set flares for maximum visibility and safety.Place four flares behind your trailer.
- Overall, space flares about 270 to 300 feet from the back of your trailer. This will warn motorists of a stopped rig ahead and will give them time to move over into another lane.
- Light a flare, place it in your right hand (that is, the hand closest to the road, for visibility), and walk along the shoulder about 20 feet straight back from your trailer's left fender (the one closest to the road). Place the flare on the ground, and return to your trailer staying as far off the road as possible.
- Light another flare, hold it in your right hand, walk about 50 feet back from the first flare, and place it on the pavement's edge. (Watch for approaching traffic.)
- Place a third flare about 100 feet beyond the second flare, on the pavement's edge.
- Place a fourth flare about 100 feet beyond the third flare, on the pavement's edge.
Place two flares in front of your tow vehicle.
- Light a flare, place it in your left hand (closest to the road, for visibility), and walk along the shoulder about 20 feet in front of your tow vehicle, even with the front fender. Place the flare on the ground.
- Place a second flare about 50 feet beyond the first flare.
Get Back on the Road
Once you've taken care of the problem, or have called for assistance, your next challenge will be to get back into traffic flow. Don't expect anyone to stop for you; you'll need to achieve highway speed. Here's how:
Turn on lights. Turn on your left turn signal and emergency flashers.
Ease forward. Turn on your engine, and ease forward.
Build speed. Start building speed on the shoulder of the road.
Check your mirrors. Keep looking into rearview mirrors on both sides. As you do, check the shoulder ahead to make sure you can safely travel forward as you wait for a break in the traffic.
Merge. When you see a break in the traffic - or you see someone slow down and move over for you (watch for the flashing-headlights signal) - move into the flow of traffic, then turn off your left turn signal. Once you've reached the speed limit, turn off your emergency flashers.
Recognize courtesy. If someone lets you in, flash your headlights to thank her. Or better yet, smile and wave, since you're a horse owner who's just passed that emergency road stop test!
