Out of Gas on the Side of the Highway: What to Do If it Happens to You

Have you ever ran out of gas on a major highway? Almost seventeen years ago while traveling with my husband and three kids we ran out of gas on a major highway in northwest Indiana, and as I sat in the car with my newborn baby and two small children, I was almost approached by a stranger, but this stranger didn't intend on helping. The following is an account of what happened after my family ran out of gas on the side of a major highway, and the chilling thought of what could have happened as I sat alone with my three small children as I waited for my husband to return.

Before the Use of Cell Phones

These days if someone is unfortunate enough to run out of gas on the side of the highway, most have a cell phone that provides an easy way to call for assistance, but almost two decades ago a cell phone wasn't an option. Those who ran out of gas and sat alone on the shoulder of the highway had to rely on their own two feet to take them to the nearest gas station, house, or pay phone.

Since a cell phone wasn't available when my family and I ran out of gas on the side of the highway, my husband had to run a couple of miles to a friend's house and bring back the gas that would get us out of our predicament. My husband leaving us behind on the shoulder of this busy highway was the best option considering we had a newborn baby, a toddler, and another small child. I didn't want him to leave us behind, but we really didn't have any other option. I knew he'd be back within the hour, and I hoped no one would bother us as we sat along the side of the highway after running out of gas.

Help or Bad Intentions?