How to Stay Safe When Your Car Breaks Down
Modern cars are extremely reliable and most of us take the fact that our car will work every time we turn the key for granted.
However, if you considered all the moving parts that have to work in unison in order for your car to operate correctly then its not surprising that it can breakdown occasionally.
You can reduce this risk by always ensuring that your vehicle is serviced on time and correctly maintained, however what should you do if a problem does occur? If your car breaks down outside your house, then other than the inconvenience of a delayed journey there is no personal risk involved.
If however, you breakdown whilst out on the open road the effect can be a lot more serious.
If you have a broken down when out on the open road your first priority is the safety of yourself and any passengers you have.
Depending on the severity of the breakdown you want to try to pull off of to the side of the road so that your vehicle is not a hazard to other drivers.
Switch on your hazard lights, and your sidelights if it is dark or if there is poor visibility.
Ideally you should always carry a warning triangle in the boot of your car and place it at least 50 meters behind your car on the same side of the road as your vehicle, except if you have broken down on a motorway where a warning device should not be used.
If you have broken down after a bend, hill crest, or in a location where another driver may not see the warning sign until it is too late, move the triangle further back to give them ample warning.
Ensure that you and your passengers get out of the vehicle and more to a safe location on a grass verge or pavement.
If you do feel vulnerable or threatened then getting back into the car via the nearside door and then locking all the doors is the safest option, until the threat has passed.
If you have broken down on the motorway you should use the emergency phone at the side of the road to contact the break down services, instead of your mobile phone, as this will help them more easily pinpoint your location.
The direction to the nearest emergency phone is labelled with an arrow every 100 meters on roadside markers, which are reflective and can be lit up by your car headlight bulbs at night.
When walking along the carriageway make sure you keep your eye on the oncoming traffic and any potential danger.
If you use the motorway emergency phone you will need to give the operator details of yourself, your vehicle and the motoring organisation you belong to.
If you are not a member of a roadside recovery organisation the operator will still arrange recovery but you will be required to pay the bill, which can be quite hefty.
No matter whether you use the motorway emergency phone, or your own mobile, tell the operator if you are in a vulnerable group, for example a lone female, a women with children or a disabled motorist.
This will ensure your request receives priority and that a recovery vehicle is dispatched to help you as soon as possible.
However, if you considered all the moving parts that have to work in unison in order for your car to operate correctly then its not surprising that it can breakdown occasionally.
You can reduce this risk by always ensuring that your vehicle is serviced on time and correctly maintained, however what should you do if a problem does occur? If your car breaks down outside your house, then other than the inconvenience of a delayed journey there is no personal risk involved.
If however, you breakdown whilst out on the open road the effect can be a lot more serious.
If you have a broken down when out on the open road your first priority is the safety of yourself and any passengers you have.
Depending on the severity of the breakdown you want to try to pull off of to the side of the road so that your vehicle is not a hazard to other drivers.
Switch on your hazard lights, and your sidelights if it is dark or if there is poor visibility.
Ideally you should always carry a warning triangle in the boot of your car and place it at least 50 meters behind your car on the same side of the road as your vehicle, except if you have broken down on a motorway where a warning device should not be used.
If you have broken down after a bend, hill crest, or in a location where another driver may not see the warning sign until it is too late, move the triangle further back to give them ample warning.
Ensure that you and your passengers get out of the vehicle and more to a safe location on a grass verge or pavement.
If you do feel vulnerable or threatened then getting back into the car via the nearside door and then locking all the doors is the safest option, until the threat has passed.
If you have broken down on the motorway you should use the emergency phone at the side of the road to contact the break down services, instead of your mobile phone, as this will help them more easily pinpoint your location.
The direction to the nearest emergency phone is labelled with an arrow every 100 meters on roadside markers, which are reflective and can be lit up by your car headlight bulbs at night.
When walking along the carriageway make sure you keep your eye on the oncoming traffic and any potential danger.
If you use the motorway emergency phone you will need to give the operator details of yourself, your vehicle and the motoring organisation you belong to.
If you are not a member of a roadside recovery organisation the operator will still arrange recovery but you will be required to pay the bill, which can be quite hefty.
No matter whether you use the motorway emergency phone, or your own mobile, tell the operator if you are in a vulnerable group, for example a lone female, a women with children or a disabled motorist.
This will ensure your request receives priority and that a recovery vehicle is dispatched to help you as soon as possible.
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