Having a safer breakdown

Nobody wants to break down on the road, and you should, of course, do everything that it is in your power to do, from having your car regularly tuned-up to driving safely, to lower the odds of it happening, but sometimes things just don’t go to plan! However, if you do, despite your best efforts, end up breaking down, here are some things you can do to make the situation safer for you and other road users:

Get off the road

If it is possible for you to do so, moving your vehicle off the road, to the side, is probably the best way to minimize the danger for all involved, and to ensure that traffic can continue to run smoothly. Obviously, if it is unsafe for you to do so then, your car is just going to have to stay put. You should, stay with your vehicle, if it is in traffic, unless it is really unsafe for you to do so. You should especially refrain from getting out and trying to fix your car right out in the traffic flow – you could end up seriously injured or worse if you do attempt this, when compared to just waiting for help.

Communicate with other road users

Whether you’ve moved your vehicle safely to the side of the road or not, you should still take measures to alert other drivers to your situation by turning on your hazard lights. This will reduce the chances of further danger, and if you’re lucky, it may even solicit you some help.

Make yourself more visible

If conditions are tough, if it is foggy or there is a lot of snow, for instance, making your vehicle more visible by using colored cloth, hazard triangles, torches or anything else you can find to pinpoint your location and alert people to your situation is vital.

Call for assistance

Calling an emergency towing company is pretty much essential if you want to get to safety as quickly as possible, and you want the same for your vehicle too. Sure, you could call a friend, but then you’d be putting them in danger as they tried to attach a tow rope etc., too. In these situations, it really is better to call in a professional.

Stock your car well

Particularly in winter time or if you’re traveling along a desolate route, it is a really good idea to stock your vehicle with some essential safety supplies, including a first aid kit, food, warm clothing and a torch, as well as jumper cables and a spare tire etc.. That way, if you have to wait a while for help to get to you, you’ll be less likely to get sick or succumb to the elements, and more likely to get things going again.

Driving safe and looking after your car is the best way to keep yourself safe on the road, but these tips will undoubtedly help to keep you safe when things don’t exactly go the way you planned.

** This is a collaborative post