Running out of gas can be a stressful experience, especially if you're in an unfamiliar area or stuck on a busy highway. While it might seem like a rare occurrence, it happens more often than you might think. Whether you’ve misjudged how much fuel was left in your tank or simply forgot to fill up, running out of gas can leave you feeling stranded and unsure of what to do next.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach our students not only how to drive safely but also how to handle unexpected situations like running out of gas. In this blog, we'll go over the essential steps to take when you find yourself in this situation, and we’ll also provide some tips on how to avoid running out of gas in the future.
1. Stay Calm and Assess Your Situation
Where Are You?
The first step when you realize you’ve run out of gas is to remain calm. Panicking won’t help, and it’s important to keep a clear head so you can make the best decisions moving forward. First, assess your surroundings. Are you on a busy highway, a quiet rural road, or somewhere more isolated? Your location will help you determine your next steps.
If you're on a busy highway or freeway, it’s essential to prioritize your safety. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to signal to other drivers that there’s an issue. If you can, try to pull over to the shoulder or as far off the road as possible. If you're in a rural or isolated area, take stock of your surroundings and see if there’s a gas station or any businesses nearby where you might be able to get help.
Don’t Attempt to Push the Car Right Away
One of the first impulses many people have when they run out of gas is to try and push the car to a gas station. However, pushing your car can be dangerous, especially if you’re on a busy road. Not only is this physically exhausting, but it also puts you at risk of being struck by other vehicles.
At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize the importance of staying safe on the road. If you’re in a safe location and have help available, pushing your car to the nearest gas station might be an option. However, if you're on a busy road or highway, it's best to wait for professional help.
2. Call for Help
Roadside Assistance Services
If you have roadside assistance, such as AAA or a similar service through your car insurance provider, now is the time to call them. Roadside assistance can deliver fuel directly to your location, allowing you to get back on the road quickly. Many roadside assistance services will bring enough gas to get you to the nearest station so that you can fill up and continue your journey.
Contact a Local Towing Service
If you don’t have roadside assistance, another option is to contact a local towing company. Most towing services offer fuel delivery as part of their package, or they can tow your car to the nearest gas station. Keep in mind that this service can sometimes be more expensive than roadside assistance, so be sure to ask about the cost before committing.
Call a Friend or Family Member
If you’re near home or in a familiar area, you can also consider calling a friend or family member for help. If someone you know is nearby, they can bring you a container of gas or give you a ride to the nearest gas station.
Having a backup plan like this is a great reason to keep a spare gas can in your vehicle. It may not solve the problem completely, but it can give you just enough fuel to make it to a gas station.
3. Walk to a Nearby Gas Station (Safely)
Plan Your Route
If you're in an area where there’s a gas station nearby and you feel it’s safe to walk, this might be your best option. Make sure to lock your car before you leave and take note of your location in case you need to tell someone where your car is parked.
If possible, avoid walking along busy highways, as this can be incredibly dangerous. Stick to sidewalks or safer routes if available. It's also a good idea to bring your phone with you in case you need to call for help along the way.
Take Safety Precautions
Before setting out on foot, ensure you’re wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially if it’s getting dark. If you have an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle, consider setting up reflective triangles or flares around your car to make it more visible to other drivers.
Once you’ve reached the gas station, ask if they sell portable gas cans. Many stations will provide a small, portable gas can if you don’t already have one. Fill up the can, return to your car, and add enough gas to get you to the station.
At Get Drivers Ed, we always recommend having an emergency kit in your vehicle, which can include items like reflective vests, flares, a flashlight, and basic tools. These items can make a big difference in how you handle roadside emergencies.
4. Preventing This From Happening Again
Know Your Car’s Fuel Gauge
One of the simplest ways to avoid running out of gas is to stay familiar with your car’s fuel gauge. Most modern vehicles come with low fuel warnings, giving you ample time to fill up before the tank is empty. However, if you're frequently driving in unfamiliar areas or long distances, don’t push your luck by waiting until the last possible moment to fill up.
Fill Up More Frequently
If you're someone who likes to wait until the last minute to fill up, you might want to rethink this habit. Instead of letting your tank drop below a quarter full, try to fill up whenever you pass a gas station and notice your fuel level is getting low. This is especially important if you're about to embark on a long trip or drive through areas with fewer gas stations.
Use Fuel Apps to Find Gas Stations
There are several mobile apps that can help you locate nearby gas stations, even in unfamiliar areas. Apps like GasBuddy allow you to find stations along your route and even compare prices, so you can find the best deal.
Keep a Spare Gas Can in Your Vehicle
As mentioned earlier, having a spare gas can in your vehicle is a good idea. You never know when you might find yourself far from a gas station, and having a small amount of gas on hand can make a huge difference.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach our students to be proactive and prepared for all kinds of driving situations. Being aware of your fuel level and planning ahead are important habits for any responsible driver.
Conclusion: Be Prepared with Get Drivers Ed
Running out of gas can be inconvenient, but it doesn’t have to be a major crisis. The key is to stay calm, assess your surroundings, and decide on the safest course of action. Whether you call roadside assistance, walk to a nearby gas station, or rely on a friend, there are always solutions to get you back on the road.
At Get Drivers Ed, we provide drivers with the tools and knowledge to handle any situation, from the basics of road safety to how to deal with emergencies like running out of gas. Remember, prevention is always better than cure—keeping an eye on your fuel level and preparing for the unexpected can save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Ready to improve your driving skills? Sign up for one of our online driver education courses today and get equipped with everything you need to become a confident and responsible driver. Safe driving starts with being informed!
