A vehicle breakdown is more than just an inconvenience, it is also a life-threatening occurrence.
In the event of a breakdown that forces you to stop your car, it is vital to remain vigilant and follow basic safety procedures:
- Switch on your hazard lights
- If possible, pull into the emergency lane or on to the shoulder of the road – as far left as possible
- Make sure your car is visible to other drivers
- If you haven’t managed to move your car to the shoulder and are worried it might be hit by another car, get out of your vehicle when it is safe to do so and walk carefully to the side of the road. However, if you can remain in your car with the doors locked, do so.
- Call for professional emergency assistance. Most insurers offer emergency roadside assistance. Phone a friend or a family member too and share your location.
- Make sure you give all the relevant details of your position so that you can be quickly and easily located by emergency professionals
- Do not get out of your vehicle or flag down other fellow drivers.
- If you’re not skilled do not attempt any repairs
- Do not open the bonnet of your car because this blocks your view and you won’t be able to see who is approaching
- Do not accept help from anybody except a uniformed police officer, Metro police officer or other emergency personnel.
