When a breakdown happens in a challenging location, many drivers wonder whether a recovery truck can actually reach them. Underground...
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A breakdown can be frightening, especially when a car breaks down suddenly in traffic or on a high-speed road. Many drivers are unsure whether to stay in their car or leave their car in the event of a car breakdown. This article explains what to do during a breakdown, when it is safer to stay put, when to move away, and how to reduce risk on different road types. Reading this will help you stay safe, protect other road users, and make the right decisions if your car has broken down.
When a breakdown happens, your first priority is safety. Slow down smoothly, signal clearly, and move your car off the carriageway if possible. Put your hazard lights on straight away to warn approaching traffic.
If your car breaks in a dangerous position, call 999 immediately. Emergency services should be contacted if you are in immediate danger, especially on a motorway or busy highway where moving traffic increases the risk of a collision.
If you’re on a motorway, safety guidance has changed in recent years. In most cases, it is safer to exit your vehicle and move to a safe place rather than stay in your vehicle.
Staying inside your car with your seatbelt on can be dangerous if oncoming traffic is close. You should leave the car using the passenger door when it is safe to exit the vehicle and move behind the safety barrier if one is present.
If you manage to get onto the hard shoulder and stop, position your car as far to the left as possible with wheels turned to the left. Turn on your hazard warning and switch on hazard lights to improve visibility.
You should exit the vehicle on the left side and stand away from your vehicle at the back of the hard shoulder. Never stand behind your car or near moving traffic, as this creates a serious hazard.
A smart motorway without a hard shoulder is one of the most dangerous places to suffer a breakdown. If possible, drive to an emergency area or next exit or pull into a service area.
If you cannot move and are on a motorway without a hard shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, stay in your vehicle only if it’s safe, and use the emergency phone to call for help. If there is immediate danger, call 999 immediately.
On a country road, the situation is different. If your car is car off the road or on the verge and you have good visibility, it may be safer to stay inside your car for a short time.
However, if the road is narrow or visibility is poor, you should exit the vehicle and move away from the road to a safe distance. Always make your car as visible as possible using hazard lights and a warning triangle if conditions allow.
If you leave the car, move away from your vehicle and away from the road. Stand well clear of the carriageway and keep children and passengers together.
Never stand behind your car or near oncoming traffic. Being away from your vehicle reduces the hazard if another car strikes your broken-down vehicle.
You should call for help as soon as it is safe to do so. Use your mobile phone or walk to an emergency phone if you are on a motorway. You must use the emergency telephone, where available, as it gives your exact location.
Call 999 if your breakdown puts you or other road users in danger. Emergency services are there to manage immediate risks and protect traffic at all times.
Having breakdown cover gives reassurance, but it does not remove the need to stay safe. Call your breakdown provider once you are in a safe position.
A breakdown service can advise whether to stay in your car or move away based on your location. Breakdown cover helps after the immediate danger is managed, not before.
Passengers should exit the vehicle when instructed and move to a safe location together. Children should be kept under close supervision and never allowed near the carriageway.
Ensure everyone is visible as possible, especially in poor light. High visibility clothing improves visibility and reduces risk.
While not all breakdowns are avoidable, regular maintenance helps prevent a breakdown in the future. Check tyres, fluids, and warning signs before long journeys.
Planning routes and knowing where to pull into a service area or exit the motorway at the nearest junction can also reduce risk if a car breakdown occurs.
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