What to Do If You're Stranded on I-20 or I-59 in Birmingham

Breaking down on I-20 or I-59 near Birmingham is one of the most stressful situations a driver can face. These are busy, high-speed corridors — especially around the infamous Malfunction Junction where I-20 and I-59 converge near downtown. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.

Step 1 — Get Off the Road Immediately

If your car is still moving, get it as far right as possible onto the shoulder. Do not stop in a travel lane. Even if your tire is flat or your car sounds bad, a damaged tire is easier to replace than dealing with a rear-end collision at highway speed.

If you're near an exit, take it. Getting off the interstate entirely is always safer than sitting on the shoulder of a 70-mph road.

Step 2 — Turn On Your Hazard Lights

Hit those flashers the moment you realize something is wrong — before you even pull over. Hazard lights give drivers behind you extra reaction time. Keep them on the entire time you're stopped, even in daylight.

Step 3 — Stay In Your Vehicle (Usually)

If you have made it fully onto the shoulder with space between your car and the travel lane, staying inside is usually safer than standing outside near traffic. Keep your seatbelt fastened — a car struck from behind offers more protection than standing in the open.

Exception: If your car is partially blocking a lane or you smell smoke or fuel, get out immediately — on the passenger side — and move behind the guardrail away from traffic.

Step 4 — Know Where You Are

The most important thing you can tell a tow truck dispatcher is your exact location. On I-20 and I-59 in Birmingham, use these landmarks:

Step 5 — Call for a Tow Truck

Once you're safe and know your location, call a tow truck. When you call Honeycutt Towing, tell us:

• Which interstate you're on (I-20 or I-59) and which direction you were traveling
• The nearest exit number or mile marker you can see
• A nearby landmark if you know one
• Your phone number so we can call when we're close

Step 6 — What to Do While You Wait

• Stay in your car with seatbelt on (unless unsafe)
• Keep hazard lights flashing
• If you have road flares or reflective triangles, deploy them 50–100 feet behind your vehicle
• Don't attempt to change a tire in a travel lane — wait for help
• Charge your phone if you have a car charger — you'll want it
• If it's dark, turn on interior lights so you're more visible

The I-20 / I-59 Corridor in Birmingham — What Makes It Tricky

The I-20/I-59 corridor through Birmingham is one of the most heavily trafficked stretches of highway in Alabama. The Malfunction Junction — the interchange near downtown where the two interstates split — is particularly challenging because lanes shift quickly and shoulders can be narrow.

The stretch from Bessemer through downtown and out toward the airport sees significant truck traffic at all hours. If you break down here, staying visible and getting help quickly is critical.