What you should do if your car breaks down on a busy highway
It is always unfortunate when you are driving your car and you encounter an issue, such as a flat tyre or running out of fuel.
The stress in these situations is significantly heightened when you face the issue on a major highway.
Follow these steps to respond safely if you ever breakdown on a major highway.
1. Turn on your hazard lights
It is important to respond immediately if you notice something is wrong with your car while you are on a busy highway. If your car is beginning to slow down due to the issue or you need to move off the road, turn your hazard lights on to safely communicate with other motorists about your situation.
2. Look for a safe spot to pull into
If there is an emergency lane, pull into this so you can have a safe distance between your vehicle and the fast-flow of traffic. If there is no emergency lane, pull over and park on the far left-side of the highway as safely possible. If the opportunity permits, stop near an emergency roadside telephone so you can call for assistance if you don’t have a mobile in your car. Once you have parked, put the handbrake on and face your wheels away from the road so you don’t roll into traffic if someone rear-ends you.
3. Call for help
Once you have parked safely away from the traffic, call for assistance. If you are in a severe emergency call 000 immediately. If no one has been injured and it is not the result of an accident, call for your Roadside Assistance as they are able to deal with standard breakdown difficulties. Roadside Assistance generally covers faulty batteries, flat tyres, minor roadside repairs and towing. Roadside Assistance ensures you have extra peace of mind while you are on the road.
4. Stay inside the vehicle and wait
If you are parked in a reasonably safe spot well out of way of traffic, your safest bet is to stay inside your car with your seatbelt on and the doors and windows locked until your help arrives. If there is a logical reason for you to leave your car, only do so if you have thoroughly checked that there is no oncoming traffic. If you have a high visibility vest in your car, put it on before exiting your car and exit from the passenger (non-traffic) side. Never try to cross a busy highway on foot.