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What to do in the event of a breakdown
It can happen
No matter how well you take care of your car, it can still let you down. Breakdowns happen. They're an irksome side of car ownership, but need not turn into a drama so long as you are ready to deal with them.
Preparing for trouble
- When you are driving, always stay aware of your approximate location, the road number, name of the nearest town and any landmarks. Help will come quicker if they can find you easily.
- Carry a road map, to be sure you can explain precisely where you are.
- Keep suitable coins or a phonecard in the car at all times, so that you are always equipped to call for assistance.
- If you have a mobile phone, make sure its battery is kept topped up, to last throughout any long journey.
- Have the number of Green Flag Motoring Assistance handy, to summon expert help.
- Carry a red warning triangle, to use for alerting other traffic if your car is broken down.
- Always have warm clothes, a rug, some chocolate and water on board, for emergency use if you get stuck for some time in cold conditions.
- Keep a torch permanently in the car.
- If you tend to drive in light shoes, keep a pair of sturdy walking shoes stowed in the boot.
- Carry a light-coloured, weatherproof coat and something reflective in the car, to wear if you have to go for help in bad weather, poor light or after dark.
What to do if you break down
- Be alert for trouble signs: always respond to warning lights, they come on for a reason and shouldn't be ignored. Regard them as a breakdown signal.
- If the car starts playing up, pull off the road and stop in a safe position, switch on the hazard lights and seek advice.
- If the car stops suddenly on the road, put on the hazard lights and if possible place a warning triangle 50 paces back down the road to warn other traffic.
- If you can call for help easily by means of a mobile phone or nearby payphone, do so, then stay in the car and lock the doors.
- If you have to leave the car and walk to find a phone, be sure to take notice of any helpful landmarks and memorise your route, so you can find the way back. It is easy to become disorientated if you are stressed.
Motorway breakdowns
- Pull onto the hard shoulder, as far off the carriageway as you can.
- Take care as you exit the car; get out on the passenger side.
- Look for the nearest roadside marker pole: they're spaced 100 metres apart, and carry a direction arrow showing the direction of the nearest emergency telephone.
- When you locate a roadside phone, you will be connected to a police operator, who will want to know your name, car's make and colour, the nature of the problem and whether you belong to a breakdown service.
- When you return to your car, you may feel safest waiting outside it, up the embankment, where you can watch for the arrival of the recovery vehicle.
- If you are travelling alone and prefer to stay inside the car, lock the doors and sit in the passenger seat, to create the illusion that you are with someone who has gone for help.
- If a stranger stops to help, open a window slightly to talk to them and assure yourself that all is well before unlocking the doors.
- If you are travelling with young children, keep them with you all the time. Don't risk leaving them alone beside a busy motorway.
- Leave pets in the car (with a window open, just enough for fresh air).
What to do if you have an accident
- Accidents happen. Stay calm and don't admit blame.
- The first priority is to ensure that the situation is not made any worse, by alerting other traffic to steer clear of the incident.
- The next urgent priority is to deal with any injuries: check the ABC of first aid - airway, breathing, and circulation. Make sure someone calls for an ambulance. Keep any casualties warm and immobilised.
- If anyone is injured, then the police must be notified by law.
- Always keep a notebook and pen in the car, and ideally a camera - a disposable one will do. Use them to make notes and take photos showing the road layout, position of vehicles and their damage.
- Note the registration number, make and colour of other vehicles involved and ask their drivers for their name, address, and insurance details. They are obliged by law to supply this information.
- If your car hits a dog or a farm animal, such as a sheep or cow, you are required by law to report the incident to the police. If you hit a cat or wild animal, there is no obligation to report it, but you must ensure that the animal is not injured and suffering.
