Are you breaking down on the motorway? Your safety is a priority. Pull over to the hard shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and exit left if safe.
In this guide, we will cover all the steps to take if you have a breakdown on the motorway to keep you safe.
Key Takeaways
- In case of a breakdown on the motorway, pull your vehicle to the far left of the hard shoulder, activate hazard lights, and remain calm while waiting for assistance.
- The vehicle should be exited from the left-hand door, wearing a high-visibility vest, and standing behind safety barriers to minimise exposure to oncoming traffic.
- Regular vehicle maintenance and having breakdown cover are essential to prevent future breakdowns and ensure prompt assistance during emergencies.
Immediate Actions to Take
If your vehicle breaks down on the motorway, your immediate actions can significantly impact your safety. First, pull over your vehicle as far left as possible on the hard shoulder to avoid obstructing traffic and reduce the risk of a collision. After pulling over, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and help prevent accidents.
Keep your sidelights on if visibility is poor or it’s raining to ensure your vehicle remains visible to other road users. Turn your wheels to the left to direct your car away from the carriageway, adding an extra layer of safety if hit by passing traffic. These initial steps maintain safety and prepare for further actions.
Now, staying calm is crucial. A clear head helps you make sound decisions and follow necessary steps effectively. Remember, these first few moments are critical, and taking the right actions can keep you and your passengers safe while you wait for further assistance. Stay calm.
Exit Your Vehicle Safely
After taking immediate actions, focus on exiting your vehicle safely. Exit via the left-hand door and ensure all passengers do the same to minimise exposure to oncoming traffic and reduce accident risk.
Put on a high-visibility vest to enhance your visibility to other road users. If necessary, consider the next exit or pull to ensure a safe departure.
Safety instructions after exiting your vehicle:
- Stand behind the safety barrier and away from the carriageway. This is the safest place to wait for help.
- Do not stand between your car and oncoming traffic; this area is extremely dangerous, as passing traffic could hit your vehicle.
- If it’s unsafe to exit, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened. Sometimes, staying in the car is the best option.
On smart motorways without hard shoulders:
- Move your vehicle to the leftmost lane if possible before exiting.
- Carefully assess the situation.
- Choose the safest option to get yourself and your passengers to a position of relative safety while waiting for assistance in the left lane.
Use Emergency Telephones
Emergency telephones are located approximately one mile intervals apart along the hard shoulder of motorways. Look for short white posts with a long red mark to find the nearest emergency phone. Follow the directional arrows on these posts to guide you.
Walk towards the nearest emergency telephone using the motorway marker posts for guidance. When using the emergency telephone, face oncoming traffic for safety. Provide detailed information about your location and the nature of your breakdown to ensure quick assistance.
The 999 text service provides emergency support for those with hearing impairments. Emergency phones are also crucial for individuals with mobility difficulties. They offer direct communication with emergency services, ensuring prompt help.
What to Do if Stuck in a Live Lane
Finding yourself stuck in a live lane is one of the most hazardous situations you can encounter on a motorway. Activate hazard lights. This will alert other drivers to your presence and help prevent collisions.
If you can’t exit safely, follow these steps:
- Stay inside and call 999 immediately.
- Emergency services will provide instructions and dispatch help quickly.
- Remain calm and stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened while waiting for assistance.
Turning on your hazard lights and staying inside the vehicle is crucial. If you can’t reach an emergency refuge area, these actions ensure visibility to other drivers, reducing accident risk. Remember, your safety is the top priority, and staying in the vehicle is often the safest option.
Procedures for Smart Motorways
Smart motorways have specific procedures for motorway breakdowns:
- Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) are created for emergencies and are easily identifiable by their bright orange tarmac and blue signs with an SOS symbol.
- If your vehicle has an issue, move to the leftmost lane.
- Then move to the nearest emergency area, if possible, on the smart motorway after a breakdown.
If you can’t reach an ERA, stay in your vehicle and call for help. Follow the three-step advice: move to an ERA if possible, stay in the vehicle, and call for help. Knowing these steps and acting swiftly ensures your safety on smart motorways.
While waiting for assistance, keep your hazard lights on to alert other drivers. If unable to move to an ERA, staying inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened is the safest option. Smart motorways are designed to keep traffic flowing, but understanding these procedures is crucial for everyone’s safety.
Rejoining the Motorway
After receiving assistance and ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive, rejoin the motorway with careful attention. Accelerate to pull onto the hard shoulder to match the speed of motorway traffic, making the merge smoother and safer.
To merge safely onto the motorway:
- Signal your intention to merge.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots for safe traffic gaps, ensuring enough space.
- Merge carefully back into the motorway, ensuring you don’t obstruct other vehicles.
Your safety and the safety of other road users depend on a smooth and careful re-entry to the motorway.
Tips to Prevent Future Breakdowns
Regular vehicle maintenance helps prevent future breakdowns. Before any journey, check that your vehicle is in good condition, including tyres, oil, and battery. Regular servicing and maintenance significantly reduce the risk of a vehicle breaking down while driving and ensure the car’s brakes function properly.
Routine check-ups with your mechanic ensure your vehicle remains reliable and roadworthy. Continuous upkeep enhances performance and minimises the chances of unexpected issues. Simple repairs and regular inspections are key to maintaining proper control over your vehicle and avoiding breakdowns, especially when you attempt repairs as needed.
These preventive measures provide peace of mind and a smoother driving experience. Being proactive and ensuring your vehicle is in top shape before hitting the road is always better for driving your car safely.
The Importance of Breakdown Cover
Breakdown cover acts as a safety net, providing:
- Prompt assistance
- Potential savings from high out-of-pocket costs in emergencies
- Peace of mind
- Quick assistance
- Roadside assistance
- Recovery
- Onward travel
Investing in breakdown cover ensures you are not left stranded due to a car breakdown and can continue your journey with minimal disruption. It’s a small price for the assurance that help is just a phone call away.
Drive with Confidence With Hire2You: We Keep You Moving Even During Breakdowns
At Hire2You, we know that unexpected breakdowns on the motorway can be stressful, but when you hire with us, you’re never alone.
Every van in our fleet comes with comprehensive UK-wide breakdown cover, so you can drive with total peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating busy city routes or motorways, our vehicles are maintained to the highest standards to minimise the risk of issues. But in the rare event of a breakdown, our professional support system ensures you get back on the road quickly and safely. Our vehicles are equipped to handle any journey confidently.
We go beyond just providing vehicles. We prioritise your safety and convenience. With 24/7 emergency assistance and zero hidden fees, we ensure you’re prepared for any roadside situation.
Experience the convenience of Hire2You. For hires of three days or more, we go the extra mile by delivering and picking up your vehicle for free. Discover a smarter, safer, and more dependable way to rent, tailored to make your journey seamless and stress-free.
Browse our fleet or call 01634 780 720 today to book your van with full roadside protection. We are with you every mile of the journey.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Motorists
Additional precautions are necessary for vulnerable motorists, such as those with disabilities. When dealing with roadside assistance, consider the following:
- Communicate your needs when contacting roadside assistance.
- Inform the operator if you are in a vulnerable situation.
- Wear a high-visibility vest to enhance safety if you need to exit your vehicle.
These measures ensure vulnerable motorists receive prompt and safe help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after my car breaks down on the motorway?
Immediately pull over to the hard shoulder, activate your hazard lights, and position your vehicle as far left as possible to ensure safety on the motorway.
How can I find and use emergency telephones on the motorway?
You can find emergency telephones on the motorway by looking for marker posts with directional arrows. When using them, ensure to face oncoming traffic for your safety.
What should I do if I’m stuck in a live lane?
If you are stuck in a live lane, stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened, turn on your hazard lights, and immediately contact emergency services for assistance.
What are the procedures for breakdowns on smart motorways?
In the event of a breakdown on smart motorways, it is imperative to move to an Emergency Refuge Area (ERA) if possible; if not, remain in your vehicle and call for assistance. Adhering to this procedure ensures your safety while awaiting help.
Why is breakdown cover important?
Breakdown cover is essential as it offers immediate assistance and peace of mind while protecting you from potentially high expenses during emergencies.
Conclusion
Knowing what to do during a motorway breakdown is crucial for your safety. Each step plays a vital role, from immediate actions and using emergency telephones to rejoining the motorway and preventing future breakdowns. Remember to stay calm, follow the procedures, and prioritise your safety.
By being prepared and understanding the importance of breakdown cover, you can handle any emergency situation on the road. Stay safe, stay informed, and drive with confidence knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way.