What to Do In The Event of a Breakdown on a Motorway
Regardless of how well maintained or how regularly serviced a vehicle may be, it is still a piece of machinery and therefore liable to breakdown at the most inopportune moment. And if that happens to you, it is best to be fully prepared and be aware of how to get help in a variety of situations.
If at all possible, never set out on a car journey without being in possession of a fully charged mobile phone. Of course, it is not to be used at the wheel unless a hands-free set-up is installed but that piece of equipment could get emergency services to you extremely quickly if needed and at the very least can let people know where you are located should you breakdown. Other useful items are warm blankets, walking shoes and a torch.
But, the action you should take in the case of breakdown depends upon where you become immobile. The first thing you should think about is yours and other road users’ safety. Ensuring that your vehicle is not causing an unnecessary hazard is paramount. However, one of the most perilous places to breakdown is on a motorway. Although there is a hard shoulder which is designed for emergencies, do not stop there unless it is your only option, such as in cases of complete mechanical breakdown.
Once you have stopped on the hard shoulder as close to the left edge as possible, turn your wheels pointing to the left and vacate the vehicle as soon as possible after turning on your hazard warning lights. It is extremely unsafe to stay in your car, especially in hazardous driving conditions, however tempting it may seem to stay in a warm vehicle.
Having broken down your priority is to get back on the road as quickly as possible to either proceed to your destination or return home. Membership of a breakdown organisation one of the major motoring organisations such as the AA or RAC would come in extremely handy at this point. If you use a premium bank account you may find that car breakdown insurance comes as a free benefit or your car insurer may offer it as a cheap add-on to your car insurance policy. Alternatively you could buy cover direct from a UK motoring organisation.
If you are not in possession of a mobile phone there are phones placed at the side of the motorway which will allow you to alert emergency services and also call for assistance. Look for marker posts that will point to the nearest phone. You will need to return and wait beside your vehicle on the embankment until help arrives after you have made your call.
Remember, that it is illegal for anyone to stop and offer help on the motorway, so if that should happen and you are alone that should be the only time that you return to your vehicle. Therefore, lock yourself inside and refuse help, waiting until official services arrive.
Once help in the form of official breakdown services arrive they will assess the problem and hopefully get you back on the road. If not, then depending upon your car breakdown cover, you and your vehicle may be transported to your destination, back to your home or to a designated garage.
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Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
