What should you do if your vehicle runs out of gas on the highway?

If your vehicle runs out of gas on the highway, the safest course of action is to pull over to a safe area and turn on your hazard lights. This approach ensures your safety as well as the safety of other drivers. By moving the vehicle out of the flow of traffic, you reduce the risk of a collision. Activating your hazard lights alerts other drivers that your vehicle is stationary and possibly a hazard itself. This helps to prevent accidents, as it provides visible warning to approaching vehicles that you are not moving and need assistance.

While other options may seem reasonable at first glance, they involve greater risk. Continuing to drive on an empty tank is unsafe and can lead to engine damage or create a dangerous situation. Walking to a gas station can be hazardous, especially on a busy highway where there may be limited access for pedestrians. Staying in the lane and waiting for help puts you and your vehicle at risk of being struck by other vehicles. Thus, the best practice when out of fuel on the highway is to always pull over safely and use your hazard lights to signal your situation.