Breaking down on the road can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. Whether you’re commuting to work or on a long road trip, it’s crucial to know the right steps to take to ensure your safety and the safety of others. This guide will walk you through the essential actions to take when you find yourself in this predicament.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to remember during a breakdown is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to poor decision-making and potentially hazardous situations. Take a moment to assess your surroundings and the condition of your vehicle. Determine whether it’s safe to exit the car and what immediate actions are necessary to secure the situation.
Signal Your Intentions and Move to Safety
As soon as you realise there’s an issue with your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. This is especially important if you’re on a busy road or motorway. If possible, guide your vehicle to the side of the road, out of the flow of traffic. Choose a safe spot, such as a breakdown lane. If you’re on a narrow or busy road, staying inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened might be safer until help arrives.
Alert Others of Your Presence
In addition to using your hazard lights, set up warning triangles or flares behind your car if you have them. These signals can help make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, reducing the risk of an accident. This step is particularly crucial at night or in poor weather conditions, where visibility is reduced.
Call for Help
Once you’ve secured the area and ensured your safety, it’s time to call for help. If there’s an immediate danger, such as a fire or medical emergency, contact emergency services right away. For roadside assistance, contact your breakdown service provider. If you are driving an AMT Auto rental or subscription vehicle, you will have breakdown cover as standard, call 0330 055 2875 for assistance. Having this number saved in your phone can expedite the process.
Stay with Your Vehicle
It’s generally safer to stay with your vehicle until help arrives, especially if you’re on a busy road or in an unfamiliar area. However, if your vehicle is in a dangerous location, such as the middle of the road, and it is safe to do so, you may need to move to a safer area away from traffic.
Gather Essential Information
When contacting your breakdown service or emergency services, be prepared to provide essential information. This includes your location, which can be determined using GPS, location sharing features on your phone, apps such as What 3 Words or nearby landmarks, and details about your vehicle, such as the make, model, and registration number. Providing accurate information can help the service provider reach you more quickly.
Wait Safely for Assistance
While waiting for help, keep your doors locked and stay aware of your surroundings. If someone approaches your vehicle, it’s okay to speak to them through a slightly opened window. Avoid accepting help from strangers and instead wait for professional assistance.
Do Not Attempt Repairs
Unless you have the proper training and tools, it’s best not to attempt any repairs on your vehicle, especially on a busy road. Even seemingly simple tasks like changing a tire can be risky in traffic. Wait for a professional who has the proper equipment and experience.
Keep a Breakdown Kit
A well-stocked breakdown kit can be invaluable in situations like these. Essential items to include are a flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, basic tools, a blanket, and some non-perishable snacks. This kit can help you stay comfortable and prepared for various situations while waiting for help.
Post-Breakdown Safety Checks
Once your vehicle is up and running, or you’re safely towed, take a few moments to check the condition of your vehicle. Make sure everything is in working order before hitting the road again. If there were any specific issues noted by your recovery service provider, follow up with a professional mechanic to prevent future breakdowns.
Preventive Measures
To minimise the chances of breaking down, practice regular vehicle maintenance. This includes checking your tyre pressure, oil levels, battery condition, and other critical components. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance can help prevent many common breakdown causes.
Educating Yourself and Passengers
Finally, it’s important to educate yourself and any regular passengers on what to do in case of a breakdown. Discuss emergency plans and safety measures, ensuring everyone knows the basics, such as using hazard lights and calling for help.
Summary
Breaking down on the road is an unfortunate but manageable situation if you’re prepared and know what steps to take. Staying calm, ensuring safety, and calling for professional assistance are key actions that can help you navigate this challenging experience. Always remember to prioritise your safety and the safety of others. If your vehicle is in for repairs and you’re in need of a temporary car, speak to our rental team to find out how soon we can get you moving again. Looking to replace your vehicle? Take a look at AMT Auto’s latest car leasing deals which all come with a minimum of 12 months breakdown cover as standard.
FAQs
What should I do if my car breaks down on a motorway?
If your car breaks down on a motorway, move to the hard shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and call for help. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened.
How can I prevent my car from breaking down?
Regular maintenance, including checking tyre pressure, oil levels, and battery condition, can help prevent breakdowns.
Is it safe to accept help from strangers when I break down?
It’s generally safer to wait for professional assistance. If approached by a stranger, keep your windows up and doors locked while communicating.
What items should be in a car breakdown kit?
A breakdown kit should include a flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, basic tools, a blanket, and snacks.
Who should I call if I break down while driving an AMT Auto vehicle?
Call 0330 055 2875 for assistance if you’re driving an AMT Auto vehicle and experience a breakdown.