What to do if you have a breakdown

Experiencing a breakdown on the roads can be stressful, but when it happens on a motorway, it can be particularly challenging. A recent survey by Britain’s largest motoring organisation the AA asked drivers about their experiences of car breakdowns and what checks they do to prevent one.

Key findings revealed:

Eighty per cent of respondents had broken down at least once and 16 per cent had experienced five or more breakdowns in their driving lifetime.

Around a fifth of people don’t check tyres or oil levels, despite these being important maintenance checks.

Approximately three out of five respondents didn’t know the correct place to stand if they broke down on a motorway.

The AA has some advice for drivers on what they should and should avoid while they wait for help.

Five things to do if you break down on a motorway:

Try to get off the motorway
In the event that your vehicle is displaying any indications of potential breakdown, such as warning lights or unusual sounds, the best thing to do is to try to get off the motorway at the nearest exit.

Sometimes, that’s not possible. If that happens, pull up onto the hard shoulder and stop as far left as you can, with the wheels of the car turned to the left.

If you break down on a smart motorway, there might not be a hard shoulder. In that case, if possible try to reach an emergency area (EA) specifically designated for breakdown situations.

These areas provide a safer space away from traffic where you can wait for help.

If reaching an EA is not possible try to move your vehicle to the leftmost lane.

Turn on your lights
As soon as you can, activate your hazard warning lights.

These lights serve as a visual signal to other drivers, alerting them of your presence.

If you find yourself in low visibility conditions such as darkness or fog, keep your sidelights on too in order to enhance your vehicle’s visibility.

By ensuring that your vehicle is visible to others on the road, you can significantly reduce the risk of potential collisions.

Wait in a safe place
It’s usually best to get out of the vehicle.

If you are able to safely exit the vehicle, use the doors away from passing traffic and wait behind a barrier.

Once behind the barrier, always walk towards the oncoming traffic (e.g. past the car boot).

If you are on a smart motorway, and break down in a live lane, and it’s not safe to exit the vehicle, stay inside the car with your seat belt securely fastened until help arrives.

Remember to call for assistance as soon as you can.

Make yourself visible
If you have a high-vis jacket, put it on, the bright colours will help you stand out and be easily seen by other drivers.

Call for help
If you have a mobile phone at hand you can call a breakdown provider for help.

Alternatively, if your vehicle is equipped with eCall/bCall, you can utilise this feature to call local road assistance.

If neither of these options are available to you, walk to an emergency phone located on your side of the carriageway.

Simply follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder, and you’ll find the emergency phone which is free to use and will put you in direct contact with the police.

Four things to avoid if you breakdown on a motorway:

Don’t put yourself in danger by attempting simple repairs
Avoid putting yourself in danger by attempting any repairs, no matter how simple they may seem. It is best to wait for professional assistance and refrain from any DIY repairs that could potentially expose you to danger.

Don’t use a warning triangle
While warning triangles are commonly used to alert other drivers of a stationary vehicle, it can be dangerous to place one on a motorway due to the high-speed and unpredictable nature of the traffic. Refrain from using one and focus on other safety measures instead.

Don’t take your pets or animal out of the car
While it may be tempting to provide your pet with immediate comfort or exercise, doing so can put them at risk. By leaving your pets in the car, you assure that they remain secure and safe from any potential hazards. Remember to roll down the windows slightly to provide ventilation.

Don’t stay next to your vehicle
Do not stand next to your car or between your car and oncoming traffic, as these can put you at risk of collisions. Keep a safe distance and don’t wait anywhere in front of your car, even if you’re behind a barrier.

Nick Powell, AA Patrol of the Year said: “Before embarking on road trips or long journeys, it’s crucial for drivers to not only prepare themselves but also be aware of the essential do’s and don’ts when facing sudden breakdowns on motorways.

If you’re on a motorway, no matter how simple, it is not safe to try to repair your vehicle. Motorways can be a dangerous and stressful place to break down. That’s why it’s important to call for help as soon as possible and wait in the right place.

Breakdowns can be unpredictable, however, to mitigate the risks before embarking on any journey, it is important that drivers check their dashboard for any warning lights or unfamiliar signs that could indicate underlying issues.

“Additionally, they should take the time to check essential elements such as oil levels, tyre conditions, fuel levels and EV range. These simple yet crucial checks serve as pre-emptive measures, aiming to prevent an avoidable breakdown.”

Information provided by: https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/what-to-do-motorway-breakdown

 

 

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