Oh No My Car Has Broken Down!

Passing your driving test is an incredible achievement, but it’s important to know what to do if something goes wrong. One of the most stressful situations you can face on the road is a breakdown. If you’re wondering what to do if you’ve broken down, especially on a motorway, here’s a step-by-step guide to keep you safe.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first thing to remember is to stay calm. Breaking down can be frightening, but panicking won’t help. If you feel the car losing power, hear strange noises, or notice warning lights on the dashboard, it’s crucial to act quickly. Signal as early as possible to alert other drivers that you’re having an issue.

Think LEFT: Your Safety First

When you break down on a motorway, remember to “think LEFT.” This mantra is key to keeping you safe:

• Left Lane: As soon as you realise you’re breaking down, aim to pull over into the far-left lane or the hard shoulder. Use your indicators to signal your intentions to other drivers.
• Left Door: Once you’ve stopped, get out of the car on the left side—through the passenger door. This keeps you away from the traffic speeding by on your right.
• Left Embankment: After exiting the car, move away from the road by walking up the left embankment. Get as far away from the car and traffic as possible.

Call for Help

Now that you’re safe, it’s time to call for help. Use your mobile phone to contact roadside assistance or the emergency services. If you don’t have a mobile phone, look for an emergency telephone located on the motorway. These phones are directly linked to highway authorities and are usually placed at regular intervals along the hard shoulder.

Wait Safely Away from Your Car

While waiting for help, do not return to your vehicle. Stay up the embankment or as far from the road as possible. The hard shoulder is a dangerous place, with many accidents happening because broken-down vehicles are hit by passing traffic. Your safety is the priority, so stay clear of your car until help arrives.

What to Do If You’ve Broken Down on a Quiet Road

If your breakdown happens on a quieter road rather than a motorway, the steps are similar but with some adjustments:

• Pull over as far to the left as possible.
• Turn on your hazard lights to make your car visible.
• If safe, exit through the left door and move away from the road.
• Call for assistance and wait in a safe location.

Final Thoughts: Safety First

Breaking down can be stressful, but knowing what to do if you’ve broken down can make all the difference. Always prioritise your safety by thinking LEFT—pull over to the left, exit on the left, and move up the left embankment. Stay visible, call for help, and wait in a safe place until assistance arrives. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to handle a breakdown safely and effectively.