What to do when you breakdown

Breaking down in your car is a headache, regardless of how important your journey is. You can feel vulnerable, especially if you have no passengers with you.

What to do

  • According to the Department for Transport, the first thing to do in a breakdown is to try to get your car off the road if possible
  • Turn on your hazard warning lights, and wear a reflective jacket if you have one
  • Decide whether you can fix the car yourself or if you need to call for breakdown assistance
  • If you're not on the motorway and if it's safe enough, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down car on the same side of the road
  • Keep your sidelights on during dark or poor visibility conditions and, at night, do not stand where you'll prevent other road users seeing your lights
  • If you've got breakdown cover with your car insurance, use the roadside assistance plan.
  • If you are travelling alone, be wary about accepting help from strangers
  • If you're on the motorway, try to reach the next exit, a service area or an emergency telephone. If you can't reach those, stop as far to the left as possible, leave the car through the left-hand door, walk to the nearest emergency telephone and keep well back from the hard shoulder.

Useful items to keep in your car:

  • Mobile phone
  • High visibility vest
  • Warning triangle
  • A torch with spare batteries
  • Blankets