Holiday Season Is Upon Us. Heres What To Do If You Break Down.
Breaking down or becoming involved in an incident can be stressful, but knowing what to do beforehand can help keep you and other road users safe. The UK Highway Code provides clear guidance on how to deal with breakdowns and incidents, and every driver should be familiar with these important rules.
If Your Vehicle Breaks Down
If your vehicle develops a fault, your first priority should always be safety.
- Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Switch on your hazard warning lights immediately to alert other road users.
- If possible, park somewhere safe, away from moving traffic.
- Apply the handbrake and switch off the engine.
If you are on a motorway, aim to leave at the next exit or use a service area if your vehicle can still be driven safely. If this isn’t possible, use the hard shoulder (where one exists) or an emergency area on smart motorways.
Leaving Your Vehicle
The Highway Code advises that if you stop on the hard shoulder:
- Leave your vehicle using the left-hand doors if possible.
- Ensure all passengers leave the vehicle.
- Move well away from the carriageway and stand behind the safety barrier where there is one.
- Keep children under close supervision.
- Never stand between your vehicle and moving traffic.
If you have pets, only leave them in the vehicle if it would be unsafe to remove them.
Calling for Help
Once you are in a safe place:
- Contact your breakdown provider.
- If you do not have breakdown cover, use the nearest emergency roadside telephone where available or call for assistance using your mobile phone.
- Give your exact location, including motorway number, direction of travel, junction number or marker post if possible.
Stay in a safe place while waiting for recovery.
Warning Other Drivers
Hazard warning lights should be used to warn traffic that your vehicle is causing a temporary obstruction or hazard.
Warning triangles should not be used on motorways because placing one would put you at unnecessary risk. On other roads, a warning triangle may be used if it can be placed safely at least 45 metres behind your vehicle, but never on a motorway.
If You Are Involved in an Incident
If you are involved in a collision:
- Stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Switch off your engine.
- Turn on your hazard warning lights if appropriate.
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 999 immediately if anyone is seriously injured or if the road is blocked and dangerous.
Remain calm and avoid putting yourself in further danger.
Exchanging Information
If another vehicle, property, animal or person has been involved, you should exchange:
- Your name and address.
- The vehicle owner’s details (if different).
- Your vehicle registration number.
- Your insurance details if requested.
If you cannot exchange details at the scene, you must report the incident to the police as required by law.
On Smart Motorways
Smart motorways require extra care. If your vehicle develops a problem:
- Use an emergency area if you can reach one safely.
- If you cannot leave a live lane, switch on your hazard lights immediately.
- Call 999 if you are stranded in a live lane.
- Follow any instructions from National Highways or emergency services.
Never attempt repairs in a live traffic lane.
Be Prepared
A few simple preparations can make a breakdown much easier to deal with:
- Keep your mobile phone charged.
- Carry a high-visibility jacket.
- Ensure your vehicle is serviced regularly.
- Check tyre pressures and tread depth.
- Keep fuel levels adequate for your journey.
- Consider breakdown cover for added peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
No driver expects to break down or be involved in an incident, but it can happen to anyone. Understanding the guidance in the UK Highway Code helps you respond safely, protect your passengers, and reduce the risk to other road users.
The most important rule is simple: your safety comes first. If you can move yourself and your passengers to a place of safety and call for professional assistance, you will have taken the most important step in dealing with a breakdown or roadside incident.
For more information please follow this link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/breakdowns-and-incidents-274-to-287