Getting stuck on the side of the road in Idaho is, um, not exactly rare for me. I’ve had a flat near Twin Falls, battery died outside Boise, and once ran outta gas (don’t judge, it was late) on a backroad near McCall. Here’s my basic “oh crap” routine for roadside emergencies, in case it helps someone else:
1. First thing, I try to pull as far off the road as possible—Idaho drivers are mostly chill but you never know when someone’s texting.
2. Turn on hazards. If it’s dark or foggy, I’ll pop the hood too so I’m extra visible.
3. Check if I can fix it myself (like changing a tire or jumpstarting). If not, that’s when I start looking up options.
4. For actual help, I usually check my insurance app—some policies have built-in roadside assistance and it’s way cheaper than calling a random tow company.
5. If that fails, I Google local tow services or use AAA (I signed up after my second breakdown… lesson learned).
6. While waiting, I keep doors locked and try to stay in the car unless it feels unsafe.
I’ve heard some people swear by those emergency roadside kits with flares and blankets, but honestly mine just collects dust in the trunk. Anyone got tips for better ways to handle breakdowns around here? Or is there a local service that’s faster than AAA? Always feels like they take forever to find me when I’m out in the boonies.
You’re not alone—Idaho’s got a knack for stranding people in the weirdest places. Your routine actually covers most of the big safety bases, especially pulling way off the road and keeping doors locked. I do wonder, though, have you ever tried using those reflective triangles instead of just hazards? They’re a pain to set up but can make a difference if you’re stuck on a blind curve or in low visibility.
About roadside kits: I get it, they seem like overkill until you need one. I’ve seen folks regret not having a blanket or water when they got stuck in winter outside Pocatello. Even if it just sits there, it’s cheap insurance, right?
As for local services, some smaller Idaho towns have their own towing outfits that respond faster than AAA, but it’s hit or miss. Have you checked if your insurance lets you pick your own tow company and get reimbursed? Some policies do, which can save time if you know a reliable local operator. Just something to look into next time you review your coverage...
Even if it just sits there, it’s cheap insurance, right?
Honestly, that’s the truth. I used to roll my eyes at the idea of lugging around a roadside kit—until I spent a chilly two hours waiting for a tow outside Twin Falls. That $5 emergency blanket made me a believer real quick. Now I keep an old sleeping bag in the trunk, just in case.
Reflective triangles are a pain, but I’ve found they’re worth the hassle if you’re stuck after dark. Hazards are great, but those triangles catch headlights from way down the road. I’ve had a couple close calls on those blind Idaho curves, and I’ll take all the visibility I can get.
As for towing, I learned the hard way that AAA isn’t always king out here. My insurance actually does reimburse for local tows—found that out after a not-so-fun night near Arco. Definitely worth checking your policy fine print... sometimes the little local guys are your best bet when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Title: What to do when you’re stranded on Idaho highways: my step-by-step plan
Totally agree about the “cheap insurance” thing. I used to think a trunk full of gear was overkill, but after a flat tire on US-20 in February, I’m all about being prepared. Here’s my go-to list for Idaho highways, learned the hard (and cold) way:
- Cheap sleeping bag or old blanket. Doesn’t matter if it’s ugly, just needs to be warm. I’ve napped in mine more than once waiting for help.
- Reflective triangles—yep, they’re a pain, but I’d rather deal with that than risk someone barreling into my car at 2am. I keep mine in a grocery bag so they don’t rattle around.
- Headlamp. Flashlights are fine, but a headlamp means you’ve got both hands free if you’re digging around or trying to change a tire in the dark.
- Snacks and water. Not talking a full picnic, just a couple granola bars and a bottle or two. Idaho distances are no joke.
- Cheap phone charger (the kind that plugs into your car). I’ve had my phone die at the worst possible time—never again.
On the towing front, I’m with you—AAA is hit or miss out here. Sometimes the local tow guys are way faster, and my insurance covered it too (after some paperwork gymnastics). It’s worth calling around if you’re stuck, especially in the middle of nowhere.
One thing I’d add: if you’re pulled over on a curve or a hill, try to get as far off the road as possible. I’ve seen too many close calls with folks just barely off the shoulder. Not always possible, but worth a shot.
And yeah, I used to think all this was overkill, but after one night freezing my butt off near Mountain Home, I’m not taking chances. It’s not about being paranoid, just practical... and maybe a little cheap.
Title: What to do when you’re stranded on Idaho highways: my step-by-step plan
I can relate to the frustration with roadside assistance delays, especially in rural Idaho. After a breakdown near Salmon last winter, I started tracking response times—AAA took nearly two hours, while a local tow company (found via Google Maps reviews) arrived in under 40 minutes. That experience convinced me to keep a list of reputable local services in my glovebox, just in case.
I’d also add that investing in a quality portable jump starter has paid off more than once. The cheaper ones sometimes struggle with larger engines, so it’s worth checking specs for your vehicle. And about those emergency kits—mine seemed unnecessary until I actually needed the reflective vest during a snowstorm. Now I keep it within reach instead of buried under luggage.
Staying pragmatic seems to be the best approach out here; it’s less about paranoia and more about minimizing inconvenience and risk.
