Breaking down on the highway is every driver’s nightmare. It’s the worst place to break down as there are lots of fast cars flying past at all times.
You can get overwhelmed really easily and make some pretty big mistakes that’ll put you – and all other drivers – at risk.
We’ve put together a very simple guide to help you know what to do when you break down on the highway. These quick steps will ensure you see a safe outcome in as little time as possible.
Put your hazard warning lights on
All vehicles come with hazard warning lights that flash to alert other drivers of a problem. Turn yours on and all of the drivers behind will know there’s a hazard up ahead. To them, it could mean there’s a car accident, something in the road, a broken down car, or anything. It doesn’t matter what they think is happening – what matters is the presence of your hazard lights will encourage them to slow down. This reduces the chances of someone driving straight into the back of you as you’re slowing down on the side of the road.
Pull up safely to the side of the highway
Unless it is physically impossible, you need to pull up safely to the side of the highway. The moment you feel a problem, get over to the far lane ASAP. From here, move your car as far off the highway as possible. This will keep you out of the way, so you can safely get out and see what’s wrong with your vehicle.
It’s also important to keep your hazard lights on the whole time so drivers see your car is on the side of the road. You should also have a little warning triangle in the trunk, which should be placed a few meters behind your vehicle as another warning sign for drivers.
Call for some roadside assistance
Regardless of the problem, if your car faces an issue on the highway, you should call for roadside assistance. Contact a towing service company, and they’ll come out as soon as possible.
When they arrive, they can assess the situation and see what’s wrong. If your car is unable to start, they’ll hook it up and tow it back home for you – or to a local repair shop. Even if the problem is something simple – like a flat tire – they’ll help fix it for you. You should avoid attempting anything on your own when you’re at the side of the highway because it’s unsafe.
These are genuinely the only three steps you need to follow when your car breaks down on the highway. It’s easy to assume you need to do loads of crazy things, but sometimes the simplest solutions are the best – and certainly the safest, in this case. The moment you notice there’s a problem, put your warning lights on and make your way to the side of the road, out of harm’s way. Call for assistance while staying well away from the road and everything will be fine.
