A breakdown is an inconvenience that many, if not most drivers worry about, yet is one of those things that is extremely uncommon and often unavoidable. When it comes to motorways, however, this not only turns into an inconvenient situation but a dangerous one.
With vehicles driving along the carriageway at an average speed of 70mph, experiencing a car breakdown and becoming stationary makes you incredibly vulnerable. As such, it’s important that you know the correct action to take in such a situation.
Read on to see what you should do in the event that you break down on the motorway.
Get onto the Hard Shoulder
If your car is showing you signs that it’s about to break down - i.e. warning lights on the dashboard, smoke coming from the bonnet or your car not driving properly and starting to slow down - then it’s important that you leave the motorway.
If it’s not possible for your car to make it to the nearest service station, then you should instead pull onto the hard shoulder. Use your left indicator and move over to the left lane (if you aren’t in it already) when it’s safe to do so, then pull onto the hard shoulder as far left as you can (leaving enough space to open the passenger door).
You should then put your hazard lights on - regardless of whether it’s daytime or nighttime.
Locate an Emergency Telephone
Once you’re on the hard shoulder, exit your vehicle on the passenger side of your car, staying far away from the carriageway. Make sure you have any essential items with you, such as your mobile phone, a hi-vis vest/jacket, water and any medication you take.
If there is a safety barrier and it’s safe to do so, then get behind this for extra protection.
You should then locate an emergency telephone. These are located approximately a mile apart along the motorway and are coloured orange. There will be various posts at every 100-metres along the hard shoulder that will show an arrow indicating where the nearest emergency telephone is - follow the direction of these until you reach one.
Once you reach the telephone, you will then be connected to the Highways Agency or the police, who you should inform of your situation. They will then give you further advice and assistance based on your circumstances.
Wait for Breakdown Rescue
After phoning the Highways Agency, return to where your vehicle is located - staying as far away from the carriageway as possible - you can then call us here at Euroroute Recovery for further assistance.
Once we’re on the way, then simply sit tight and wait for our help to arrive! We cover all areas of South Scotland, the Borders and the Central Belt and boast an impressive average attendance time of 40 minutes.
For car breakdown and recovery services in Scotland that you can rely on, remember to call us on 03 300 300 100. Alternatively, get in touch with us today to learn more about the range of services that we offer.
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