BEING STRANDED ON THE ROADSIDE because of a breakdown is a stressful experience. It invariably happens at the most inconvenient time and often in less-than-ideal circumstances. However, it can get a lot worse if you don’t take precautions to ensure the safety of you, your passengers and other road users.
Even in the case of an unforeseen breakdown (and what other kind is there?), you’ll usually get some warning of an impending mechanical failure. If so, don’t ignore the signs. Try to bring your vehicle to a stop somewhere safe, where it won’t impede traffic flow. If possible, try and stop in a well-lit location and one that puts you at least risk: for example, rather than coming to a standstill on a busy main road, is there a quieter side street you can pull into, or a car park or service station?
Your first inclination once the car is safely stopped may well be to jump out, pop the bonnet to see if you can pinpoint the problem. Before you do so, consider your own safety.
Be seen.
Being seen is the best safety factor you can arrange. If your vehicle is slowing well below the prevailing speed of surrounding traffic, activate your hazard warning lights and leave them on once you come to a stop. The more visible you and your car are, the more chance there is for other motorists to see you in good time, assess and appreciate the breakdown situation and take appropriate evasive action. These days, it is unlikely that anyone will stop to offer assistance, but you never know! Raising the bonnet will alert other motorists that you have a problem (it’s worth doing even if you have stopped because of a flat tyre).
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Remain alert and attentive to what happening on the road and around you. On busy roads in particular, avoid facing away from the approaching traffic. You may feel more comfortable sitting in your car, particularly if it’s cold or raining, but consider the consequences of another car or, worse, a truck slamming into your stationary car. Rather than take the risk, wait nearby in a safer location if at all possible and keep a lookout for the arrival of your assistance.
Stay well clear of passing traffic.
If you have passengers, especially children, make sure they stay well clear of the roadway and passing traffic. Remember children are harder to see than adults and their behaviour is more unpredictable.
Note your location.
Once you and your car are in a safe position, take note of your location including street names, suburb, and any distinguishing landmarks (such as buildings, parks or anything else distinctive that may help someone find you). Now you can call your local motoring association for assistance, assuming you have your membership card with you – so always carry it when you’re in the car.
Lock the doors if you feel unsafe.
As we all know, motoring association assistance can take some time to arrive, especially if it’s raining, or excessively hot. If you are stopped in a poorly lit area and aren’t feeling particularly safe, you should get into your car and lock the doors but only if you are parked well away from any danger. If there’s a well-lit public and populated area nearby such as a service station or shopping complex, you may feel safer waiting there, although you’ll need to be able to see your car so you can attend when help arrives. If you are not within sight of your vehicle, advise the motoring association of your location so the patrol can find you. If at any time you feel your safety is threatened, phone the police for assistance.
Follow instructions from your breakdown assistance.
When the motoring association patrol vehicle arrives, the mechanic will assess the situation and make a decision about whether it is safe to render assistance in the current location or if it will be better to relocate the vehicle to a safer location. The patrol will take appropriate steps to increase visibility for other motorists, such as turning on amber flashing lights, using strobe lights or placing traffic cones. You’ll need to answer any questions as best you can and follow any directions or instructions made by the patrol.
Breakdowns are stressful and increase the potential for accidents, so whether you are a stranded driver or a passing motorist, you have a responsibility to minimise the risk. Remember, the affected driver didn’t choose to break down in that particular spot just to inconvenience you. Traffic cones have been put in place to define the area and ensure you are able to pass with safety for all concerned. Show a little consideration… after all, the next breakdown might be your own.