Last week we published the second instalment of our Breakdown Cover special: “PART 2: What to do if you breakdown on the motorway”.
This week’s instalment, Part 3, will guide you through the procedure to follow if you break down on other roads, as advised by the AA.
If you break down on other roads, the procedure to follow is quite different to that you would use on the motorway.
- The key thing to remember is that you need to get your vehicle off of the main road and make other drivers aware of the danger by putting on your hazard lights. Using your hazard lights is even more important if you are causing an obstruction.
- If you have a reflective jacket it is probably best to store it in the glove box or under your seat so that you have access to it from within the car. This will mean you can put it on before exiting your vehicle rather than hunting around in your boot for it, putting you at more risk of being hit by a passing vehicle.
- Before you exit your vehicle make sure you leave your sidelights on if it is really dark or if bad weather is affecting visibility. Only keep these lights on if it is safe to have the key in the ignition.
- If you think there is any substantial risk of your vehicle being struck by other traffic, make everyone get out and retreat to a safe place well away from traffic. Don’t let anybody (including yourself) stand between your vehicle and the oncoming traffic.
- Whilst you are out of the vehicle, and if it is safe to do so, put your warning triangle (if you have one) on the road. Place the triangle at least 45 metres (50 yards) behind your vehicle on the same side of the road. Be sure to take care when you do this.
- The next step will be assessing whether it is possible to fix the car, without putting yourself and other road users in danger, or whether you are going to need professional help to get your vehicle going again.
- If you think you will need professional help, use your mobile phone to ring for breakdown assistance. If you don’t have a mobile phone, lock up your car and try and safely find another phone. Be sure that you can give those coming to help you an accurate description of your location.
- Once your vehicle is up and running again, don’t forget to pick up your warning triangle if you used one, taking care to keep out of danger from other traffic.
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