Do I have to move my car after a minor crash in Georgia?

Under Georgia's 'Steer It, Clear It' rule, if no one is hurt and the car can be driven, move it out of the travel lanes to the shoulder or a safe spot, then exchange information or call police.

Should I stay in my car on I-285?

Usually yes — stay buckled in with hazards on until help arrives, unless there's smoke, fire or the car is in a travel lane and it's safe to walk behind a barrier.

What should I keep in my car in Atlanta?

A phone charger, water, a flashlight, reflective triangles or flares, a properly inflated spare with jack and wheel-lock key, jumper cables or a jump pack, and a basic first-aid kit.

Atlanta driver safety guide

Atlanta Roadside Emergency Guide

What to do in the first five minutes after a breakdown on I-285, I-75, I-85, I-20, GA-400 or any Atlanta street — and how to get help fast.

First 5 steps

1
Get off the road
Signal and move as far right as you safely can — shoulder, exit ramp or parking lot. Avoid curves, bridges and travel lanes.
2
Hazards on
Turn on your hazard lights right away. At night, keep your interior light on so others see you.
3
Stay buckled in
On an interstate shoulder, stay inside with your seatbelt on. Most shoulder injuries happen outside the car.
4
Exit away from traffic
If you must get out, use the side away from traffic and stand behind a guardrail — never between your car and traffic.
5
Call 911 if unsafe
Anyone hurt, car in a travel lane, smoke or fire, or you feel unsafe.

Who to call

Can't call? Text usOpens your messaging app to (470) 217-0217 with the details ready — fill in the blanks and hit send.

What to tell roadside dispatch

Your exact location: interstate, direction (northbound/southbound or inner/outer loop on I-285), nearest exit or mile marker.
Or share your phone's GPS — it's the fastest way to be found.
Vehicle year, make, model and color.
What happened: won't start, flat tire, out of fuel, locked out, crash, overheating.
For tires: the tire size on the sidewall and whether you have a usable spare and wheel-lock key.
A callback number in case the call drops.

Share your GPS location with dispatch

Can't make a call? Text us your location and vehicle details instead — the message opens with the blanks already laid out, so you just fill them in and send.

Copy & share your GPS coordinates

Can't call or type it all out? Tap the button, pick your direction, then copy or share the whole message with dispatch.

Common breakdowns and what to do

Dead battery

Clicking or no crank usually means a weak battery. Turn off lights and accessories. A jumpstart plus a battery test tells you whether it needs replacing — Atlanta summer heat shortens battery life.

Jumpstart service

Flat tire or blowout

Grip the wheel, ease off the gas, and steer straight while slowing — don't slam the brakes. Don't drive on a flat; it can ruin the rim.

Mobile tire change

Overheating

Pull over and shut the engine off. Never open a hot radiator cap. Let it cool at least 30 minutes before checking coolant.

Emergency towing

Out of gas

Coast to the shoulder as soon as the engine sputters. Don't walk along the interstate to a gas station.

Fuel delivery

Locked out

If a child or pet is locked inside, call 911 first. Otherwise stay near the car in a safe, lit spot.

Car lockout help

Atlanta highway tips

Atlanta roadside FAQs

Georgia law requires drivers to move over a lane — or slow down below the speed limit and be ready to stop if they can't — when passing emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles and other stopped vehicles with flashing lights.

Need help right now?

24/7 mobile roadside across Metro Atlanta.

Call (470) 217-0217 Text Dispatch Request Dispatch Share GPS Location