If your vehicle runs out of gas on the highway, what should you do?

When your vehicle runs out of gas on the highway, pulling over safely and turning on your hazard lights is the most appropriate action to take. This option ensures that you can move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring your safety and the safety of other drivers.

Once you've pulled over, activating your hazard lights alerts other motorists that your vehicle is stationary and may be in distress, allowing them to take necessary precautions when approaching. It’s essential to find a safe place on the shoulder of the road where you won't obstruct traffic. This approach gives you time to assess your situation and plan for the next steps, such as calling for help without putting yourself in danger.

The other options do not prioritize safety and could lead to more hazardous situations. Continuing to drive until the next exit would risk running out of gas entirely and potentially stalling in a more dangerous location. Calling for a tow truck is a reasonable step to take, but it is more effective after ensuring you are safely off the road. Parking in the middle of the road would severely endanger both the driver and other road users, creating an immediate risk of collision.