Breaking down can be daunting, especially if you’ve never been in that situation before. The RAC are committed to making motoring easier and safer; giving the following safety advice for those unexpected motoring moments. But remember, you are the best person to make decisions about your own safety and the safety of your passengers.
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Wait away from moving traffic and your vehicle.
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Before leaving your vehicle, make it as noticeable as possible by putting on the sidelights and hazard warning lights.
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If visibility is seriously reduced, (when you can't see for more than 100 metres), you should also use the rear fog lights.
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Try and make sure all your passengers leave the vehicle by the nearside doors and that they keep as far away from the traffic lanes as possible.
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Move as far away from your vehicle as possible and if there is a safety barrier nearby, move behind it – if it's safe to do so.
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While you're waiting, be aware of the oncoming traffic.
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If for any reason you can't get out of the vehicle, get as many people as possible to sit on the passenger side of the vehicle and put their seatbelts on. However if you can wait away from the vehicle then you should do so.
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Stay calm. We know where you are and someone will be with you as soon as possible.
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If you're alone and feel in anyway threatened, return to your vehicle and wait in the front passenger seat with the doors locked. When you feel it's safe to do so, get out of your vehicle and go to the safest place nearby.
If you have breakdown cover with the RAC, we advise calling us after following the Highway Code advice above.
This post was contributed by RAC. The RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists and are committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.