Road Safety Guides - What To Do If You Break Down
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Vehicles -> subcategory Trucks-SUVS.
Road Safety Guide: What to Do If You Break Down
Introduction
Breaking down on the road can be stressful, but staying safe should be your top priority. Here’s a clear safety guide from GEM Motoring Assist, the UK's leading road safety association for drivers.
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Prioritize Your Safety
- Move Off the Road: If possible, steer your vehicle off the roadway.
- Ensure Safety: Keep all passengers secure and control any animals.
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Alert Other Drivers
- Hazard Warning Lights: Use them if your vehicle is obstructing traffic.
- Warning Triangle: Place it 45 meters (147 feet) behind your vehicle, if safe to do so, but never on motorways.
- Lights: Keep sidelights on in poor visibility or darkness.
- Stay Visible: Wear a reflective or fluorescent jacket.
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Calling for Assistance
- Avoid Mobile Phones: If there’s a risk of petrol fumes.
- Contact Authorities: Dial 999 or 112. If you have breakdown cover, contact your service provider.
- Provide Clear Information: Include your location, vehicle type, registration number, number of passengers, and probable cause of breakdown.
- Identity Check: Ask for ID when help arrives.
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Motorway Safety
- Exit the Motorway: Use the nearest exit or service area if possible.
- Hard Shoulder Protocol:
- Use indicators or hazard lights.
- Stop as far left as possible with wheels turned left.
- Exit using left-hand doors.
- Wear reflective gear.
- Avoid crossing the carriageway for a closer phone ?" it’s safer to wait on the verge.
- Security Measures:
- Don’t leave keys in the car.
- Lock the car except the front passenger door.
- Keep passengers, especially children, away from traffic.
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Managing Animals
- Stay in the Car: Keep animals inside, with windows slightly open. Only let them out in an emergency and keep them controlled on the verge.
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Getting Help on Motorways
- Use Emergency Phones: Walk to the nearest one, following marker post arrows. Call for free, and stand behind the barrier if possible.
- Provide Details: Inform them if you feel vulnerable and share location markers.
- Stay Safe: Return near your vehicle and wait behind the motorway barrier.
- Verify Assistance: Check IDs and ensure the breakdown service personnel know your name.
- Avoid Strangers: Never hitchhike or accept rides from unknown individuals.
- Safe Re-entry: Increase speed on the hard shoulder before merging with traffic.
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By following these steps, you can prioritize safety and effectively manage a breakdown situation. Always stay vigilant and prepared.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Road Safety Guides - What To Do If You Break Down.
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