Broken Down on I-10 or I-17? What to Do, Step by Step

A breakdown on a Phoenix freeway is dangerous and stressful. Here is what truck drivers should do, in order, to stay safe and get back on the road faster.

Breaking down on I-10 through downtown Phoenix or on I-17 at rush hour is one of the most dangerous moments in a driver's day. Traffic is fast, shoulders can be narrow, and in summer the heat adds its own risk. Having a plan before it happens makes a real difference. Here is the order we recommend.

1. Get as far out of traffic as you can

If the truck will still move, take the next exit or get onto the widest part of the shoulder you can reach. Avoid stopping on a curve, a hill crest or in a construction zone where approaching drivers cannot see you. Turn on your hazard flashers right away.

2. Put out your warning devices

Federal rules require commercial drivers to put out warning triangles within 10 minutes of stopping. On a divided highway like I-10 or I-17, they go behind the truck toward approaching traffic — roughly 10 feet, 100 feet and 200 feet back. Wear a high-visibility vest, walk facing traffic and never stand between the truck and the travel lanes.

3. Figure out exactly where you are

The fastest way to get help to you is a precise location: the freeway, direction of travel, nearest mile marker or exit, and which side you are on. If you have a phone with GPS, share your pin. "I-17 northbound near exit 201, right shoulder" gets a mechanic to you much faster than "somewhere near downtown."

4. Gather the details a mechanic needs

• Truck make, model and engine (for example, a Freightliner Cascadia with a Detroit DD15).
• What happened — loss of power, smoke, a noise, a warning light or a derate message.
• Any fault codes or messages on the dash.
• What you are hauling, and the trailer type — a loaded reefer is more urgent than an empty dry van.

With that information, a mobile mechanic can often bring the right parts on the first trip.

5. Call for help — and stay safe while you wait

Call your dispatcher and a truck roadside assistance provider. If it is hot, stay hydrated and avoid sitting in a cab without A/C for long periods. If you feel unsafe where the truck is stopped, wait somewhere protected and away from traffic.

What can be fixed on the shoulder?

More than most people expect. Our mobile units handle many air leaks, brake problems, hoses, belts, batteries, fuel filters, sensors and some aftertreatment faults right where the truck sits. If the repair needs a lift or major teardown, we will tell you so you can arrange a tow to our shop near I-17 and I-10. See our pages for I-10 and I-17 breakdowns.