The old cliche of the flat tire and the young couple who try to take shelter at the old house that just happens to be haunted, or has some other sinister events happening that same night.

That's what happens at the beginning of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" to Brad and Janet in this movie, although I wonder if the bikers who pass them earlier aren't responsible for the road being closed off. Anyway, I was hoping somebody out there is a better scarey story buff than I am, and knows where this old trope* comes from, and how it evolved.

* Incidentally, I have taken time to look... and look, and if it's listed on TVTropes.com anywhere, I can't find it.