Managing a vehicle breakdown

Disclaimer

Content in Guidance is for informational purposes only. You can choose whether or not to use the information.

Guidance

If your vehicle becomes inoperable, pull to the side of the road into a service lane or to a point furthest point away from traffic.

Activate the vehicle hazard lights.

If safe to do so, exit the vehicle and stand off the roadway.

If you have one, put on your high visibility vest and deploy breakdown triangle signage. In most European countries it is mandatory to wear one.

Ideally when standing off a roadway, stand some distance back from the vehicle and towards oncoming traffic. Circumstance permitting, try and put a barrier between you and traffic.This prevents injury if passing motorists, looking at your vehicle, steering towards it and colliding with it.

If it is unsafe to exit the vehicle, such as in a freeway environment with no emergency lane, stay inside the vehicle with the seat belt on.

Call roadside assist or towing at the earliest opportunity.

If the vehicle is causing a traffic hazard, call emergency services.

Updated on July 26, 2023

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