Breakdown Advice
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IN THE EVENT OF A BREAKDOWN ON THE ROADSIDE?
- Pull on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible with the wheels turned to the left.
- Leave your sidelights on and turn on the hazard warning lights.
- Get out of the vehicle (if on motorway by the left-hand door and make sure that all your passengers do the same).
- Leave animals in the vehicle or in an emergency, keep them under proper control on the verge.
- If you have reflective jackets in the vehicle wear them. If it is safe and you have one, put a warning triangle or other permitted warning device on the road at least 45 metres (50 yards) behind your broken down vehicle on the same side of the road. Always take great care when doing this – (do not use a warning triangle on the hard shoulder of motorway).
- Make sure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder and children are kept under control – it is best to retreat up the bank, or behind a barrier if this is possible.
- Once in a safe place use a mobile phone to call a relevant number or your breakdown service provider, making sure you can describe your location as best as possible.
- If you don’t have a mobile and you have broken down on a motorway, walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the carriageway – never attempt to cross the carriageway. Follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder – the phone is free and connects directly to the police/Highways Agency. Give full details to the police and tell them if you are a vulnerable motorist, such as a woman travelling alone.
- Don’t attempt even simple repairs.
- If you have used a warning triangle remember to retrieve it, with care, when the breakdown is over.