Experiencing a vehicle breakdown can be both stressful and hazardous, especially on busy UK roads. Knowing the correct steps to take not only ensures your safety but also minimises risks to other road users. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate such situations effectively.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most crucial step is to remain calm. Panicking can lead to hasty decisions, increasing danger. Take a deep breath and evaluate your surroundings and the nature of the breakdown.
2. Safely Pull Over
- On Motorways: If you detect a problem, aim to exit at the next service area. If that’s not possible, pull onto the hard shoulder, positioning your vehicle as far left as possible with the wheels turned to the left. This reduces the risk of your car rolling into traffic.
- On Other Roads: Find a safe spot away from traffic, such as a lay-by or the verge. Avoid stopping near bends, junctions, or areas with poor visibility.
3. Activate Hazard Lights
Immediately switch on your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers of your situation. In low visibility conditions like fog or heavy rain, also turn on your sidelights to enhance visibility.
4. Exit the Vehicle Safely
- Motorways: If it’s safe, exit the vehicle from the passenger side, ensuring all passengers do the same. Move away from the road and stand behind a safety barrier or up an embankment.
- Other Roads: If you feel it’s safer to remain inside due to traffic or environmental conditions, stay put with seatbelts fastened until help arrives.
5. Keep Pets Inside
It’s generally safer to leave pets inside the vehicle to prevent them from running into traffic. If you must remove them, ensure they’re under control using a lead or carrier.
6. Use a Warning Triangle (When Appropriate)
On non-motorway roads, if it’s safe, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres (about 147 feet) behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic. However, do not use a warning triangle on motorways, as this can be extremely dangerous.
7. Call for Assistance
- Mobile Phone: Contact your breakdown service provider, providing clear details about your location and the nature of the problem.
- Emergency Phones on Motorways: If you don’t have a mobile phone or can’t get a signal, follow the arrows on the white posts at the back of the hard shoulder to the nearest emergency phone. These connect directly to the police or highway authorities and are free to use.
8. Stay Safe While Waiting
- Stand in a Safe Place: Keep well away from the carriageway and moving traffic. On motorways, it’s advisable to wait behind the barrier or up an embankment.
- Avoid Standing in Front of Your Vehicle: In case another vehicle collides with yours, standing in front can be particularly dangerous.
9. Do Not Attempt Repairs
Even if you believe the issue is minor, do not attempt to fix your vehicle on the hard shoulder or in any dangerous position. Wait for professional assistance to arrive.
10. Be Cautious of Other Road Users
Stay alert and be aware of the traffic around you. Unfortunately, not all drivers may notice a stationary vehicle in time, so it’s essential to remain vigilant.
Preventative Measures to Reduce Breakdown Risks
While some breakdowns are unavoidable, regular maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood:
- Regular Servicing: Ensure your vehicle undergoes routine checks as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Check Essential Components: Regularly inspect tyres, oil levels, coolant, and lights.
- Carry an Emergency Kit: Equip your car with essentials such as a torch, high-visibility jacket, blanket, first aid kit, and an in-car phone charger.
Understanding Smart Motorways
With the rise of smart motorways in the UK, it’s vital to understand how to handle breakdowns on these roads:
- No Hard Shoulder: Many smart motorways don’t have a continuous hard shoulder. In case of a breakdown, aim to reach an emergency refuge area (ERA), indicated by blue signs with an orange SOS telephone symbol.
- If You Can’t Reach an ERA:
- Stay in Your Vehicle: Keep your seatbelt on and switch on hazard lights.
- Call for Help: Use your mobile to dial 999 and inform them of your situation.
- Stay Visible: Keep sidelights on, especially in low visibility conditions.
Legal Obligations
Remember, as a driver, you have a legal duty to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Regular maintenance not only helps prevent breakdowns but also ensures compliance with UK road safety laws.
Conclusion
Experiencing a breakdown is undoubtedly inconvenient, but by following these steps, you can ensure your safety and that of others. Regular vehicle maintenance, understanding the correct procedures during a breakdown, and staying calm are key to handling such situations effectively. Always prioritise safety over convenience, and wait for professional assistance to get you back on the road.