It can happen: our car breaks down. A warning light comes on, an unusual noise starts, the engine won't turn over... It's not a pleasant experience; a little worry – or even nervousness – is inevitable. Especially if it happens in difficult conditions: on the highway, at night, or in bad weather. But it's important to prevent an unpleasant situation from becoming dangerous. You need to manage the emergency without risking yourself, any passengers, or anyone passing near the broken-down car. How should you act?
The first rule is: stay calm. It seems obvious, but it's not always easy to remain clear-headed and act in accordance with a series of road safety and prudence regulations.
If vehicle conditions permit, drive until you can stop in a safe area. On the highway – for example – in an emergency lay-by: these are the small widened areas beyond the emergency lane, therefore outside the carriageway, where it is possible to stop for up to 24 hours. These spaces are specifically designed for vehicles in distress: law enforcement officers passing by are required to stop and check the situation of vehicles stopped in these lay-bys, to provide assistance if necessary.
Alternatively, pull over into the emergency lane; however, remember that here stopping should not exceed three hours (we discuss it here). If possible, it's better not to stop near a curve.
Turn on the hazard lights and signal the stopped vehicle by placing the warning triangle at least 50 meters from the vehicle, to inform other motorists of the presence of the vehicle or any debris scattered on the roadway. If you have lost liquids or parts, it is necessary to notify the police using the single emergency number 112.
Before getting out of the car, put on the reflective vest, mandatory by law since 2004. According to the Highway Code, it must be worn by drivers of vehicles stopped on the carriageway, outside urban areas, at night or in conditions of poor visibility. And when placing the warning triangle or if getting out of a vehicle stopped in the emergency lane.
Once the area is secured, all that remains is to ask for help and call roadside assistance. If you are on the highway and your cell phone is dead or there is no signal, you need to reach an SOS pole, located at an average distance of 1.5 kilometers. Final step: wait for help near the car.
