If
your car breaks down
If
your vehicle breaks down, there are a few steps you should
follow. As soon as you think that your car has a problem it
is best to act immediately. Read the following advice below
to make sure that you are properly prepared if you do have
a problem.
How to Use a Motorway
Always
make yourself seen by putting on your headlights and hazard
warning lights. Use the hard shoulder in emergencies if you
think you won't be able to make it to the next exit. Park
on the far left of the hard shoulder as near as you can to
an emergency phone. Emergency phones are spaced every half-mile.
If you can't get to the hard shoulder, switch your hazard
warning lights on. When there is a safe gap in the traffic,
walk over to the hard shoulder. Never stay in your car and
always leave your car by the left-hand side and move any passengers
away onto the banking or further away if possible. Your animals
should be kept securely inside the vehicle. You must only
go back to your car if you feel you are at risk from other
vehicles.
Once
your car has been repaired build up speed on the hard shoulder
before pulling out into the traffic. But do keep a look out
for any other vehicles parked on the hard shoulder. Never
repair the vehicle yourself in such a dangerous position.
Walk to the emergency telephone and contact your recovery
service - these SOS telephones are free to use. Rescue services
can find your location and tell the police about your situation.
Most breakdown services promise to get to you as a priority.
Using Other Roads
Put
on your hazard warning lights and if you have a reflective
jacket and/or a warning triangle, use them to make yourself
seen. If possible get out of the traffic and get your car
off the road and park it in a safe position so that it doesn't
cause an obstruction. Keep your passengers safe and lead them
away from your car if you think it could be hit by passing
vehicles. It is actually best to stay in your vehicle with
the sidelights and heater on. Stay with your vehicle and wait
in safety for your recovery service. If you feel you can't
repair your car yourself, contact your breakdown service.
Find out exactly where you've broken down to help them find
you. |
