Waters: breakdown advice

By Adrian Waters, head of SME, AA Business Services

Business car drivers changing a wheel in the fast lane of the M6.

Sitting in the car on the hard shoulder because of expensive Italian suits.

And wandering alone on badly-lit back streets.

These are some examples the AA has discovered of what not to do when you break down.

AA research has found that a third of drivers would stay inside their vehicle after breaking down.

A further 23% would get out of the car but remain near the vehicle on the hard shoulder.

AA patrolmen always advise drivers to get out of the car, get up the verge, and wait behind the barrier.

Ignoring hard shoulder breakdown advice is without doubt the worst and most dangerous thing business car drivers can do.

Staying in your car leaves you at risk of being involved in a collision with passing vehicles. But a frightening number of drivers take this gamble. So what should you – or your drivers – do if they breakdown?

Breaking down on the motorway or dual carriageway

• Pull on to the hard shoulder. Stop as far to the left as possible, with your wheels turned to the left.
• Leave your sidelights on and use your hazard warning lights.
• Try to stop near an emergency telephone.
• Leave the vehicle by the left-hand door and ensure all your passengers do the same.
• If you have a reflective jacket in the vehicle – wear it. Do not use a reflective triangle.
• Ensure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder.
• Do not attempt even simple repairs.
• Walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the carriageway (follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder) – the telephone is free of charge and connects directly to the police. Use these in preference to a mobile phone.
• If you must use a mobile phone make sure you can describe your location – there are reference numbers on all telephones and marker posts.
• Give full details to the police; also inform them if you are a vulnerable motorist such as a woman travelling alone.
• Return and wait near your vehicle (well away from the carriageway and hard shoulder – retreat up the bank if possible).

What should I do if I break down at night in inner city areas?

• If waiting for breakdown services, try to stop somewhere well lit.
• Switch on your hazard warning lights, or keep sidelights on if visibility is poor.
• If you are alone, do not wander around unfamiliar back streets. Lock the car doors and keep valuables out of sight.
• If someone tries to get into your car, attract attention by sounding your horn.