Broken down on the road — where to stand while you wait
The most dangerous place during a breakdown is inside the car on the hard shoulder. The triangle and vest are not a formality.
Symptoms
- You stopped on the hard shoulder
- The car cannot be moved
- You are waiting for assistance on a busy road
Do not stay in the car. This is the most common mistake and the most serious one. A vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder is hit from behind more often than people assume — especially at night and in rain.
The first 60 seconds
Switch on the hazard lights while the car is still moving towards the shoulder. Pull over as far right as possible, with the wheels turned to the right.
Put on the high visibility vest BEFORE opening the door. The vest belongs in the cabin, not the boot — in the boot it does not help, because you reach it only after you are already outside.
Get out through the right hand door if you can.
The warning triangle
Place it at least 30 metres back in a built up area, and 100 metres outside towns or on a motorway. Closer than that leaves no reaction time at 90 kilometres per hour.
Where to wait
Behind the barrier, away from the carriageway, behind the car — not in front of it and not beside it. If you have children or animals with you, take them out too.
In a tunnel or on a bridge where there is nowhere to step aside, call immediately and give the exact location; waiting there is especially dangerous.
What to have ready for the call
Direction and kilometre marker, nearest exit or landmark, number of people, make and model, and whether the car still moves under its own power. This information shortens the arrival time.
Leave your number — we will call you
If you are in a hurry, calling is fastest. The form is for when you cannot speak.