When to Call 911 vs. When to Call a Tow Truck
When you’re stuck on the side of the road, it’s not always obvious whether the situation calls for 911 or a direct call to a towing company. Here’s a simple way to think about it.
Call 911 When...
- Anyone is injured, no matter how minor it seems
- Your vehicle is blocking an active traffic lane and can’t be moved safely
- There’s a collision involving another vehicle or property
- You feel unsafe due to another person’s behavior at the scene
Call a Tow Truck Directly When...
- Your car won’t start or has a flat tire, and you’re safely off the roadway
- You’ve run out of gas in a safe location
- The vehicle is disabled but no one is hurt and nothing is blocking traffic
- You just need a lockout or jump start
When in Doubt
If you’re not sure whether a situation is an emergency, it’s always better to call 911 and let a dispatcher help you determine the right response. Safety comes first — towing can always be arranged after the immediate situation is handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 911 dispatch a tow truck for me?
In some cases yes, particularly if your vehicle is blocking traffic — but for a routine breakdown, calling a towing company directly is usually faster.
What if I'm not sure if my situation is an emergency?
Call 911 — dispatchers are trained to help assess the situation and can redirect you if it turns out not to be an emergency.
Is it ever appropriate to call both?
Yes — for example, after a minor accident you may need police for a report and a tow truck to move the vehicles separately.
For any non-emergency breakdown around St. Louis, 24 Hour Towing St. Louis MO is ready 24/7. Contact us at 314-597-0775.