Never set out at night or into bad weather without a full tank of gas and a cell phone. Make a point of refilling once the needle indicates that the tank is one-fourth full. In the event that you miscalculate and are running extremely low, move over to the slow lane, which will allow you to get into the breakdown lane should you completely run out of gas.
While parked in the breakdown lane, make sure you can be seen. Turn on your emergency flashers. If it is dark, turn on the interior dome light, as well. Raise the hood and tie a cloth to the radio antenna. Or hang a “HELP” sign in your window if you have one in your emergency kit. If possible, place highway flares behind your vehicle to alert other drivers. You can also use hazard triangles if you have them.
If your car is safely out of traffic, wait inside the vehicle with the doors locked. If someone stops to help, remain in your locked car. Crack the window slightly and ask them to call the police if you have not.
Note: Provided you are away from traffic, you will probably be safest staying in your vehicle until help arrives, unless you can quickly walk to a safe spot away from your vehicle and the road. Be careful about walking along the shoulder. If you have to, get as far off the roadway as possible.
Then, you can return to your vehicle when help arrives.