What To Do If You Break Down On A Motorway

Ah, the open road! There’s something undeniably freeing about embarking on a motorway journey. Whether it’s the promise of a weekend getaway, visiting loved ones, or simply the joy of the drive itself, motorways connect us and fuel our adventures. They’re the arteries of our nation, allowing us to cover vast distances efficiently and often with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

The primary benefit of motorways is, of course, speed and efficiency. They allow us to travel at higher speeds with fewer interruptions, making those long commutes or holiday trips much more manageable. For businesses, they facilitate the swift movement of goods, keeping our shelves stocked and our economy humming. In our personal lives, they mean less time stuck in traffic and more time spent doing what we love, whether that’s exploring new places or returning home.

We see motorways in action every single day. They’re the backdrop to our holidays, the route to a business meeting across the country, and the path to seeing family further afield. Think of the countless delivery vans, the lorries transporting essentials, and the stream of cars taking us to our next destination. They are an integral part of modern life, a testament to our desire to connect and explore.

But even on these marvels of modern engineering, sometimes, things don't go according to plan. The dreaded breakdown can strike at any time, turning that thrilling journey into a stressful ordeal. So, what exactly should you do if you find yourself stranded on a motorway?

First and foremost, stay calm. Panicking won't help, and a clear head is your best asset. As soon as you realise there's a problem, try to indicate and move your vehicle to the left-hand emergency area or the hard shoulder. It’s crucial to get as far off the live carriageway as possible.

Once safely stationary, turn on your hazard lights immediately. This is your signal to other drivers that you're in trouble. Never attempt to carry out repairs yourself on the hard shoulder; it’s incredibly dangerous. Your priority is to get yourself and any passengers to a safe location.

This safe location is typically behind a safety barrier, well away from the traffic. If there's no barrier, position yourselves as far from the road as you can, ideally facing oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles. Never stand or let children play on the verge or in the carriageway.

Now, for the crucial step: call for assistance. If you have a mobile phone, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the police. Explain your location as accurately as possible. Motorway markers are your friend here – look for the signs that show the motorway number and the direction of travel, along with the nearest mile marker. If you don't have a phone, look for an emergency roadside telephone. These are usually found at regular intervals along the hard shoulder and connect you directly to the motorway authorities.

While you wait for help, stay vigilant. Keep an eye on the traffic and remain behind the barrier. If you're in a vehicle, it's generally safer to stay inside with your seatbelts on, unless you feel it's an immediate danger. However, if you are in a vehicle on the hard shoulder, police advice is to exit the vehicle from the side furthest from the traffic, and wait behind the safety barrier.

Remember, motorways are designed for speed, and breakdowns are unfortunately a part of that reality. By knowing these simple steps, you can transform a potentially terrifying situation into a manageable one, ensuring your safety and getting you back on your way as quickly as possible. Safe travels!