What to do if your car breaks down

Safety First
In the unfortunate event of you breaking down here is a guide to what to do. The first thing to do is think about safety; that means for you and your passengers and for other road users.

Warn Other Road Users
If possible get your vehicle off the road and warn other drivers by putting on your hazard lights, particularly if you are causing an obstruction. If you have a warning triangle, put it on the road at least 150 ft (45m) behind your car. If visibility is low or it's dark put your sidelights on. Stand away from the traffic at a safe distance and don't block the visibility of your hazard lights or sidelights.

Get Out Of The Vehicle
If you breakdown on the motorway move on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible, with your wheels on full left-hand lock, leave your car by the left-hand door (and your passengers). If you have pets in the car LEAVE THEM, unless there is a real emergency such as fire.

Contact Emergency Services
Walk to an emergency phone on your side of the carriageway, (follow the arrows on the posts on the hard shoulder), the phone is free of charge and connects to the emergency services. Use these in preference to a mobile phone.

Follow the instructions of the operator, who will call the breakdown services for you (even if you have membership) and return to your car. Wait safely away from your car.

Be Aware Of Other Dangers
If an unidentified vehicle stops, get into your car and lock the doors. Only leave your vehicle when you are sure that the vehicle stopped is either the breakdown or emergency service that you have called.

Remember, one in eight motorway deaths happen on the hard shoulder.