Breakdowns on the Freeway

If your car develops a problem while you are on the freeway, don't panic. If at all possible, you should leave the freeway at the next exit. However, if the fault is so serious that you cannot drive very far, follow these guidelines to reduce the risks of a motorway breakdown:

If You Break Down

• If your car develops a fault, pull over to the shoulder quickly and safely, making sure that you indicate clearly.
• Never stop on the road itself; even if your engines cuts out, you should be able to coast to the shoulder.
• If one of your tires blows out, carefully steer the car to the hard shoulder and allow it to roll to a halt; DO NOT slam on the brakes.
• Once you are safely onto the hard shoulder, park as far as you can off road as possible.
• Put on your sidelights and your hazard flashers to alert other drivers to your presence.
• Everyone in the car should exit using the left hand passenger doors; however, you should leave any animals in the vehicle.
• If you carry reflective jackets or waistcoats in your car, make sure that you and your passengers wear them.
• Make sure that all your passengers stand well away from the car; preferably behind a barrier.
• Open the trunk and raise the hood (if it is not raining or snowing).
• Lock all the doors apart from the passenger door.
• Tie a white cloth to the radio antenna or a door handle. Make sure it is clearly visible.
• If you have flares or reflectors place them from 100 to 500 feet behind your vehicle on the right-hand edge of the main roadway.
• If possible, stay with your vehicle; however, if you must leave your vehicle, you should move to the left side of the highway and walk against traffic.
• Never walk on the highway itself unless you must cross to the other side; in which case you should make absolutely sure that there is no traffic on the roadway before crossing.