info@raynerdiesel.co.uk
info@raynerdiesel.co.uk
Experiencing a car breakdown can be a frustrating and stressful situation, especially if it occurs on a motorway. However, it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. Here are some suggested actions to keep you safe in the event of your car breaking down, including the specific considerations for a motorway breakdown.
As soon as you realise your car has broken down, try to remain calm. Safely pull your vehicle to the side of the road or onto the hard shoulder, if you’re on a motorway. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that there is an issue. Take a moment to assess the situation and determine the severity of the problem.
The decision you make as to whether you stay in your car or not will be based on the specifics of your breakdown. If you have been able to fully pull your vehicle off the road and the likelihood of it being hit by traffic is very slim, you should stay in your vehicle. Especially if the weather is cold. In this situation it would be worth keeping your seatbelt on and locking doors and closing windows. This will give you an added level of security until help arrives.
On a dual carriageway or motorway the advice is very different. The National Highways website advises “If you get into trouble on a motorway – go left”. They advise indicating left and safely moving into the left hand lane until you can exit at the next emergency area, or hard shoulder. Then put your hazard lights on. And most importantly, get behind a safety barrier (where there is one). In all circumstances stay away from the moving traffic, don’t attempt to enter the vehicle on the traffic side. And don’t attempt to walk into traffic to slow it down.
If your vehicle conks out in the right hand or middle lane and you are unable to safely get to the left hand side of the road immediately put your hazard lights on to alert other vehicles. Keep your seatbelt on at all times and immediately call 999. Many modern day cars also have an SOS button, this will alert the emergency services and relays to them your exact location.
In the event of a motorway breakdown, call for assistance immediately. You can call National Highways on 0300 123 5000 and then a breakdown service or use the emergency call boxes provided on the motorway.
Provide your location, a brief description of the issue, and any relevant details to help emergency services locate you quickly.
If you have stopped in a live traffic lane or feel your life is in danger then call 999 immediately (or use the SOS button as discussed above).
While waiting for help to arrive, it’s crucial to make your vehicle as visible as possible. If you have one, place a warning triangle or hazard sign a safe distance behind your car, ideally around 50 meters on a motorway, to alert oncoming drivers. This increases your visibility and reduces the risk of a collision.
Depending on your location and the severity of the breakdown, you may need assistance from a breakdown service or a tow truck. If you have a membership with a breakdown service, contact them and provide your exact location. If you don’t have a membership, consider calling a local tow truck or mechanic. Stay patient and wait for the professional to arrive.
Once the situation is resolved, take some time to reflect on the breakdown and consider steps to prevent future incidents. Regularly maintain your vehicle by scheduling vehicle servicing and routine inspections. These will help to highlight potential issues that may lead to a breakdown in the future.
Try and be as prepared as possible. Even brand new vehicles can break down. So many of them come with some basic safety equipment to help in the event of an emergency. If you can, carry essential items such as a spare tyre (or tyre inflation kit), jack, and jumper cables in case of emergencies. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the emergency procedures specific to motorway breakdowns in your area.
Remember, every situation is unique, and these guidelines may vary depending on your location and circumstances. Following these general steps will help you handle a car breakdown, including the specific considerations when it happens on a motorway. Knowing what to do in the event of your car breaking down can make it a little less stressful and could potentially save lives.
