What to Do If You Break Down on a Nashville Interstate
By Navy Towing & Recovery · Updated October 2026
If you break down on a Nashville interstate, turn on your hazards, steer as far onto the right shoulder as you can, and stay buckled inside with doors locked unless you can safely get behind a guardrail. Then call 911 if anyone is in danger, and call or text a tow company with your exit or mile marker.
Step by step: what to do right away
Follow these steps in order. Your safety comes before your car.
- Signal and move to the right shoulder, or the nearest exit if the car still moves.
- Turn on hazard lights. At night, keep interior lights on.
- Stay inside with your seatbelt on if traffic is heavy and there is no barrier.
- Find your location: exit number, mile marker or a nearby sign.
- Call or text (615) 210-0161 and share your location.
Where do breakdowns happen most in Nashville?
Busy merges and interchanges see the most stalled vehicles: the I-40/I-65 downtown loop, I-24 near Antioch and the I-440 corridor, and Briley Parkway. Shoulders are narrow in many of these areas, so stay alert.
What should you not do?
Don't stand behind or beside your car in traffic. Don't try to change a tire on the traffic side. Don't walk along the interstate to find help.
FAQ
Should I stay in my car on the interstate?
In most cases, yes, with your seatbelt on. Get out only if you can move safely behind a guardrail away from traffic.
How do I tell a tow company where I am?
Share your phone's location pin by text, or give the interstate, direction, and nearest exit or mile marker.
What if my phone battery is low?
Lower your screen brightness, close apps, and text your location first. A text is faster and uses less battery than a call.