Although motorway driving is a great way to reduce journey time, it can be incredibly dangerous. High speeds, bad weather, and irresponsible drivers are just some of the issues we can face when travelling around our nation’s roads. Aside from these potential hazards, breaking down on the motorway can be an unnerving experience. There are certain things you should and shouldn’t do if you find yourself in this unfortunate position. Read on to find our top tips on what to do if you break down on the motorway.
Try to leave the motorway
If you feel that your car is playing up, the Highway Code recommends leaving the motorway as soon as possible. You should leave via the next exit or service station, and these should occur at regular intervals. Failing this, pull onto the hard shoulder as far to the left as possible with your wheels turned to the left.
Pulling over onto the hard shoulder
If you feel that you are about to break down and there is no exit or service station in sight, pull over onto the hard shoulder as soon as possible. Once you have done so, put your hazard lights on and exit the vehicle immediately. If it is dark or foggy, remember to put your side or fog lights on respectively. The key is to make your vehicle as visible as possible for other drivers to avoid any possible collisions.
Walk away
If your car is parked on the hard shoulder, make sure you promptly walk away from your vehicle and stay as far away from the road as possible. Leave your car through the left-hand doors to avoid the on-coming traffic - never exit on the driver’s side! If you have a reflective jacket, make sure to wear it, particularly if dark or foggy.
Leave pets in your vehicle
Unless it is an emergency and you feel that your pets are in danger, leave them in the car with the windows open. According to the Highway Code, animals should be left in your vehicle since the risk of unrestrained pets near fast-moving traffic can put other drivers at risk.
Call an emergency breakdown service
Once safely away from the road, call an emergency breakdown service. Usually, they will arrive promptly and can help get you back to your destination safely. If you don’t have access to a mobile phone, the battery has died or you have no signal, use the emergency phone. These are located at one mile intervals, so they should never be too far from your location. They are free to use and directly connect you to the Highway Agency or police. When walking to one of these phones, make sure you face the oncoming traffic and follow the signs.
Rejoining the Roads
Once the emergency breakdown services have arrived, they may either fix your car, or tow it away. In the event that your vehicle has started up and the fault has been identified and fixed, you will have to rejoin the carriageway. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, even for the most confident of drivers. The key is to be patient and wait until there is a significant gap in the traffic for you to proceed. If you’re in the hard shoulder, it is possible to build up momentum before joining the oncoming traffic.
In the event that you have broken down and your car is irreparable, you may be considering a replacement. Here at Nationwide Cars, we deliver out customers free and impartial advice to ensure you choose the perfect replacement car. Contact us today and we can help get you back on the road in no time.
