Advice

How to keep safe when you’ve broken down at the side of the road

Breaking down can be dangerous, particularly if you’re on a motorway. But remember that the hard shoulder is only for emergencies, not for making calls, having a stretch or toilet stops. If your car has broken down, here’s what to do to stay safe before you call us and while we're on our way.

 

1) Make sure your in a safe place
 

• Move your vehicle off the road if possible
• If you’re  on a motorway and can’t turn off at the next exit, pull up onto the hard shoulder. Make sure you stop as far to the left as you can, with the wheels turned to the left.

 

2) Put your hazard lights on
 

• Turn on your hazard warning lights
• If its dark or foggy, keep your sidelights on too.

 

3) Stay well away from moving traffic
 

• It’s usually safest to get out of your car – using the doors facing away from the passing traffic and wait behind the barrier.
• If your on the motorway, move up the bank if you can and stay upstream of oncoming traffic.
• Leave any animals in the car.

 

4) Wear a reflective jacket
 

• Put on a high-vis jacket if you have one.

 

5) Don’t place a warning triangle on the hard shoulder
 

• If you’re on a motorway, its not safe to use a warning triangle.
• If your on a road and its safe, you can put a warning triangle at least 45m behind your vehicle.

 

6) Call Glenside recovery on: 07715 697852
 

• Our technician will be with you shortly to repair or replace your tyres and get you safely on the road again