What to Do When Your Car Breaks Down on the Highway

Dealing with a car breakdown on a busy highway can be a daunting experience, but knowing the right steps to take can ensure your safety and minimize additional inconvenience.

Immediate Actions to Take

When your car breaks down on the highway, the first step is to ensure your safety. Follow these guidelines to handle the situation gracefully:

Shift to Neutral and Stop: As soon as you realize the car is breaking down, shift into neutral and slowly pull off the highway to the right shoulder, ensuring you do it smoothly and without bracing hard on the brakes until you are safely off the traffic flow.

Activate Hazard Lights and Call for Help: Once you are off the highway, turn on your hazard warning lights and pull over. If it is safe, try to signal for assistance using your mobile phone to call for a tow truck. Alternatively, if the situation is dire, you can request passersby to assist by leaving a note with your distress signal.

Do Not Move or Open Doors Hazardously: Avoid opening doors or windows to attract attention, as this can create a further hazard for other drivers. If the breakdown is minor, you may push the car to a safe spot off the highway, but only if it is safe to do so.

Stay Safe and Visible: Ensure all occupants are safely out of the car and possibly into a non-travel lane. If the traffic is heavy, stay in the car with seatbelts fastened and be prepared for any disruptions. If the traffic is light, you might attempt to push the vehicle to the side of the road, but only take precautions to ensure your safety first.

Preparation and Prevention

To avoid such situations, staying prepared and maintaining your vehicle is crucial:

Learn Basic Car Maintenance: Familiarize yourself with simple tasks like changing a flat tire, checking fluids, and inspecting the electrical connections. Knowing these basic steps can help you diagnose and potentially fix minor issues, allowing you to reach a service station without further delays.

Carry Essential Tools and Spare Parts: Keep a well-stocked car emergency kit in your vehicle, including spare tires, a jack, jump starter cables, a flashlight, and warning triangles. These items can be crucial in an emergency.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage: Make sure you understand your car insurance policy, so you know what is covered in case of a breakdown. This can help streamline the process of getting assistance.

Conclusion

While a car breakdown on a highway can be scary, staying calm and prepared can make all the difference. By knowing the proper steps to take and maintaining your vehicle, you can minimize the risk and deal with the situation more efficiently.