ArtechnikA....I'm sure she could steer it over to the curb, pick up the cell phone and call for help.
Lots of women driving semi's these days, too.
As she's cute as a bug, she could probably just stand there with a helpless look and have it fixed without using the cell.
The best way to make sure that sort of thing dosen't happen is to service things when they are called for, replace things that might break when they look worn, ect.
Her hubby is one of my best friends and we think alike. Fix it now, that way your not standing at the side of the road cursing and holding your wallet for some stranger to empty.
Same reason I can get in my truck and drive 3-4,000 miles and not worry about it. I know that I've maintained it as best that I can.