How To Stay Safe When Your Car Breaks Down

A car breakdown can happen unexpectedly, leaving you stranded and vulnerable. Knowing what to do in this situation helps keep you and others safe on the road. It requires a clear head and a methodical approach.

Understanding how to stay safe when your car breaks down transforms a stressful event into a manageable one. Following a few simple steps can improve your safety and that of those around you.

Assess the Situation

The moment you notice a problem with your vehicle, your immediate actions matter. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If you can, move your car to the side of the road, preferably the right shoulder. The farther you can get from moving traffic, the safer you will be. Once you have stopped, engage the parking brake to prevent the car from rolling.

Increase Your Visibility

After pulling over, ensure your vehicle is clearly visible to other drivers to ensure safety. First, turn on your hazard lights to signal distress and alert approaching vehicles. If it’s dark, raining, or visibility is low, switch on your interior dome light to make your vehicle more noticeable.

Set Up Flares or Triangles

If you have emergency flares or reflective triangles, set them up to alert other drivers. As a general guideline, place them at intervals behind your vehicle, such as at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet. This staggered placement provides oncoming traffic with ample warning to slow down and change lanes.

Always stay as far away from moving traffic as possible. If you must exit your car, do so on the side away from the road, typically the passenger side. Taking these precautions can significantly enhance your safety while you wait for assistance.

Call for Assistance

Once you have secured your vehicle, it’s time to call for help. Use your cell phone to contact roadside assistance, a local towing company, or the police. Provide your location as accurately as possible, using mile markers or nearby landmarks.

Knowing how to perform certain basic maintenance yourself can be helpful, but professional assistance is often the safest choice on a busy road. Knowing what to do if your car breaks down can help keep you safe while you wait for assistance.

Wait Safely

Your safety while waiting for help to arrive is extremely important, and where you choose to stay can make a big difference.

In most situations, the safest place to wait is inside your car. Keep the doors locked and your seatbelt fastened to protect yourself from passing traffic and harsh weather. Staying inside also reduces the risk of injury from debris or other roadside hazards.

However, you must exit the vehicle immediately if you notice signs of danger. In this case, your priority is to move to a safe location away from your car and the road. Here’s what to do:

• Find a spot behind a guardrail or solid barrier if one is nearby.
• Never stand directly in front of or behind your vehicle. These spots are dangerous if another car hits yours.
• Make sure you are visible to others but still out of harm’s way.

Final Steps to Safety

Knowing how to stay safe when your car breaks down involves a combination of preparation and calm decision-making. By following these procedures, you can handle an unexpected breakdown with confidence and protect yourself until help arrives.