Deal with a Breakdown Safely with These Top Tips
Breakdowns can be scary for all drivers, no matter
what the situation or how experienced they are.
Ensuring you deal with a breakdown in the safest way possible is an
important piece of knowledge for any driver to know, especially as the weather
becomes unpredictable and our vehicles are prone to mishaps. Follow our five
simple tips to help you deal with a breakdown in the safest way.
1.
Be Prepared
It’s true that no one knows when a breakdown is
going to happen, so it’s vital you and your vehicle is prepared for the worst.
We’d advise you take the time to purchase a high visibility jacket to keep in
your car at all times. When situations like a breakdown arise, you’ll be able
to wear your high Vis jacket to ensure you are visible to other drivers and
oncoming vehicles. We’d also advise investing in other potential breakdown
items, like a first aid kit, torch and emergency triangle.
2.
Stop
If you think something could have gone wrong with
your vehicle, it’s important for you to pull over as soon as possible and in a
safe spot, stop and turn off your engine. You can use your hazard warning
lights at any point to let other drivers know you have needed to pull over, and
that something is wrong with your car. Keep your hazard warning lights on at
all times, even once stopped, so other drivers are aware of your presence. If
it is safe to do so, stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened.
3.
Leave Safely
If it’s unsafe for you to stay in your vehicle and
you need to exit, it’s vital that you do not attempt to leave the car on the
side where there is oncoming traffic, particularly when you have had to stop on
a busy road. Exit the vehicle via the left hand side, or side that is not
facing any traffic. If you have any passengers with you, it’s important you
ensure they exit the vehicle in the same, safe way. If you have had to stop on
a busy road like a motorway, ensure yourself and your passengers are as far
away as oncoming traffic as possible.
4.
Assess
Once you have stopped, if you think your car has a
flat tyre which is the reason you are unable to drive safely, assess the
situation to ensure this is your issue. Do not attempt to replace your tyre
unless you are in a safe area away from oncoming vehicles. If the flat tyre is
on the opposite side to the traffic, then it is likely you can address it
safely without putting yourself in danger. Depending on the issue with your car
and whether you are able to identify it correctly and repair it safely, ensure
you do so using our safety precautions.
5. Call
Calling your breakdown service as soon as possible
is the best way to ensure someone is on the way to help you in the quickest
way. They will make their way to you as soon as they can, and thus getting you,
and your vehicle, back on the road in one piece. If you have found yourself in
a situation where you don’t have your mobile phone or breakdown cover, it’s
important you remain calm and patient and stay where you are. Do not attempt to
drive on a vehicle with issues. Most roads are patrolled often and therefore
help will find its way to you in good time. Try to ensure you never leave home
without your mobile phone so you can always call for help.
At Express Service, we can service your car
regularly to help you avoid a breakdown by ensuring it’s in working order. If
you’d like to find out more information about getting your car serviced with
us, or you’d like to know how to replace your tyres, brakes, exhausts and more,
get in touch with a member of the team by visiting our
contact
page
or by giving us a call on
01603
425055
.
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Published: 28/11/2016
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