A collision is stressful, and the tow is often the last thing on your mind. This page walks through what to do at the scene, who responds in Atascadero, and how to get the vehicle to a shop.
When you are ready to arrange a tow, call (805) 391-5157. You will be connected with licensed and insured local towing professionals, and the dispatcher will go over the details with you.
Safety comes first
Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. Do that before you think about a tow truck.
If the car can be moved and it is safe, get fully off the roadway, turn on your hazard lights, and stay away from moving traffic. On a freeway shoulder, if you cannot get safely away from the car, stay inside with your seat belt on until help arrives.
Highway scenes and city street scenes
Who responds depends on where you are. The California Highway Patrol handles collisions on U.S. 101 and State Route 41. The Atascadero Police Department responds on city streets, such as El Camino Real, Traffic Way and Del Rio Road. Atascadero Fire and Emergency Services also responds to traffic collisions.
On state highways, officers may call a tow for a vehicle that must be cleared from the road. That is a safety step to keep the road open. Follow the instructions of the officers on scene, and ask them what you need to know before you leave.
U.S. 101 carries heavy through-traffic between Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo, so a crash on the freeway can be a tight, fast-moving scene. City streets are usually slower, but a stalled car still needs to be moved safely.
Terrain and weather around Atascadero
Highway 41 between Atascadero and Morro Bay is a winding two-lane road over the Santa Lucia Range, with few safe places to pull over. If you are hurt or stuck on that road, tell 911 and the dispatcher exactly where you are, including which direction you were traveling.
Rain falls mostly from November to March in the North County. Hillside roads west of El Camino Real can be slick and muddy in winter, and they have narrow shoulders among the oaks. Valley fog sometimes settles in as well, so keep your hazard lights on while you wait.
Flatbed or hook-up: what the damage means
A crashed vehicle often cannot be towed the usual way. Flatbed towing is generally recommended for vehicles that cannot roll, as well as for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, low-clearance cars, and most electric vehicles. Your owner's manual may also say how the vehicle should be towed.
Tell the dispatcher whether the car rolls and steers, and describe any damage to the wheels or axles. That helps match the right truck to the job. Larger vehicles such as RVs, box trucks and trailers need equipment suited to their weight and length, and the dispatcher will ask for those details first.
Choosing where the car goes
Before the truck arrives, decide where the vehicle should be taken. It might be a body shop you trust, a shop your insurance company has pointed you toward, or your home. Have the name and town ready when you call (805) 391-5157.
If you are not sure, call your insurer and ask about your options. Many auto policies, credit cards and motor-club memberships include roadside or towing coverage, so check yours. Payment methods and hours vary by provider, so confirm them with the dispatcher on the call.
The price depends on the vehicle, the distance, the type of hookup or truck needed, the road location, and the time of day. The dispatcher quotes the price on the phone before a truck is sent.
Photos and paperwork
When it is safe to do so, take photos and exchange information with the other driver. Photos of the vehicles, the surrounding road and any damage can be useful later. Do not step into traffic to get them.
If you plan to submit the tow for reimbursement, ask for an itemized receipt. Keep it with any report information from the responding agency and your insurance claim details.
What to have ready when you call
The dispatcher can work faster with clear details. Have these ready:
- Your exact location, with cross streets, highway direction, and a nearby exit or landmark
- The year, make and model of the vehicle
- Whether it rolls and steers
- Where you want it taken
In town, a landmark such as Sunken Gardens, Atascadero Lake Park or the Atascadero Transit Center can help pin down your spot. On the highway, the direction of travel matters just as much.
If you were on a motorcycle, see the motorcycle towing page for how bikes are carried.