Newport, South Wales is a busy city to the north that, runs the M4 Motorway. Duggan Recovery operates a car breakdown recovery service where many customer calls relate to Motorway breakdowns or accidents. They know from experience that people are often confused and frightened following a motorway breakdown. So, what exactly should you do if you break down on a UK motorway?
Stuck on the Motorway? - UK Road Safety Measures
Being stranded on the motorway is every driver's worst nightmare, according to the UK's RAC. But don't panic, if you're in the UK and experience a breakdown, there are certain safety measures you should follow to ensure your own protection and that of other road users.
Pulling over to a Safe Place
Carefully and slowly turn on your hazard lights, signaling the other drivers that you’re in need of assistance. Then try to find a safe place to pull over by driving onto the motorway's hard shoulder. If this isn’t possible, it’s better to stay in your lane until you find an appropriate place – never cross any solid white lines!
Putting on the Hazard Lights
Once you've come to a complete stop, switch your hazard lights on - this will indicate to other drivers that something is wrong with your vehicle and inform them that they need to slow down or change lanes if necessary. It’s vital not to leave these switched off, as it can cause confusion for other drivers who may not be aware of your situation. Make sure that all passengers inside the car are wearing their seatbelts too!
Exiting the Vehicle from the Left Side
Now comes the time for exiting your vehicle from its left-hand side only (the driver should always exit first). Exit quickly but carefully, being mindful of traffic passing by at high speed nearby. Once everyone has safely vacated the car, move away from it towards an embankment – remaining as far away from traffic as possible - or put up an emergency triangle at least 45m behind the car as a warning signal for incoming vehicles; once done remember not to return back onto the carriageway for any reason!
Next Steps
Calling For Help
If you break down on a motorway in the UK, it's important to know who to call for help. Taking the right action can help make your situation much safer.
Using Your Mobile Phone
Using your mobile phone is the quickest and easiest way to call for assistance. Ensure you have a full charge, then dial 999 and ask for either police or recovery services. Be ready with details of your location and condition so they can assess whether immediate emergency services are required. Alternatively, if you are near one, use one of the orange emergency telephones located along the UK motorways.
Dialing 999 For Emergency Services
If you feel like you're in imminent danger due to external factors, traffic collisions, or other types of emergencies, calling 999 is essential. An operator will provide advice about how to stay safe before assistance arrives and advise if medical aid is needed straight away.
Providing Details of Location & Condition
When making the call, it’s helpful if you can clearly provide details about your location - including lane number and junction number - as well as let them know your current condition so they can determine whether immediate medical attention may be required. This information will ensure that help gets sent out without delay and in an organized fashion.
Staying Safe While Waiting for Roadside Assistance
What do you do after you've pulled over and are awaiting help?
Staying Away from the Vehicle
It's important to stay away from your vehicle when it breaks down on a motorway in the UK. If possible, move up to an emergency refuge area, where there is access to emergency service vehicles and support. Otherwise, wait behind the crash barrier until help arrives.
Keeping a High-Visibility Jacket or Warning Triangles
Before setting off on any journey, it's important to keep some form of high-visibility wear such as a jacket or items like warning triangles in the car. This can be used as a signal should you break down and alert passing motorists to your presence. It may also be useful if you should have to leave your vehicle and walk away, providing extra visibility at night or during bad weather.
Following Advice from Emergency Services
Once you have called for roadside assistance, follow the advice given by any responding emergency service personnel with respect to staying where you are, parking up appropriately, and any further steps they recommend while waiting for help to arrive. Ensure that children remain seated in the car unless instructed otherwise by emergency services personnel - their advice is paramount here, so always follow their lead!
What to do After Assistance Arrives
Help is on the scene - what now?
Follow Instructions
Following the instructions of the breakdown service is crucial in order to keep safe during roadside repairs or maintenance. The UK Motorway Service has many protocols to ensure their customers remain safe while at the side of the road, such as wearing reflective clothing and remaining behind a safety barrier. This must always be adhered to for both your safety and those around you.
Exchanging Details With the Recovery Driver
If your vehicle must leave the scene of a breakdown with a recovery driver, it is important that you exchange information with them. You should always get contact details such as name, address, license plate number, and insurance details if appropriate. It is also wise to take photos or screenshots of any details being exchanged, in case paperwork gets lost throughout the procedure.
Keeping Track of Expenses and Documentation
Throughout any roadside repairs or permanent replacement parts ordered for motorway journeys, it is essential to keep track of expenses incurred due to repair costs or the purchase of new parts, if applicable. Any invoices and all paperwork required should be kept in a safe place until they are required by the relevant insurers or service providers. Ensuring accurate documentation is vital in obtaining reimbursement from any third parties involved with a breakdown situation in the UK's motorways.
Summary - Recap of Important Steps to Take in Case of Motorway Breakdown
- Always contact the emergency services first and wait outside the vehicle if possible
- Familiarise yourself with motorway Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) and locate the closest ERA if necessary.
- Equally important is understanding lane discipline and knowing when to wave your warning triangle and wear high visibility clothing when exiting your car on the road.
- Know who you can call for assistance in case of breakdown or accident; reliable automotive service companies, roadside assistance services, and/or breakdown cover providers.
Reminder to Always be Prepared and Have a Plan in Case Of Emergency
UK drivers should always prepare for a potential motorway breakdown, no matter how confident they are in their vehicle's roadworthiness. There are many ways your car can break down and unexpected issues can occur at any time. You should ensure that your vehicle meets legal requirements for UK roads and is properly maintained for safe driving including having warning triangles, high visibility clothing, a reflective vest, a fire extinguisher as well as a fully charged mobile phone kept in the glove box. Being prepared with this equipment may make all the difference between an inconvenience and a major problem. If the worst happens and you find yourself in a broken-down vehicle during motorway driving then near Newport, South Wales, Duggan Recovery can help.
