Roadside Safety Tips: Staying Safe During Vehicle Breakdowns

Vehicle breakdowns can happen anywhere, anytime. Knowing proper roadside safety protocols can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation. Follow these expert safety tips to protect yourself and others.

Immediate Safety Actions

When your vehicle breaks down, your first priority is safety:

• Stay Calm: Panic leads to poor decisions
• Signal Early: Use turn signals to indicate your intention
• Find Safe Location: Pull as far right as possible
• Activate Hazards: Turn on emergency flashers immediately
• Exit Safely: Use door away from traffic when possible

Proper Vehicle Positioning

Highway Breakdowns

• Pull onto shoulder as far right as possible
• Avoid stopping on curves or hills
• If unable to reach shoulder, stay in vehicle with seatbelt on
• Turn wheels away from traffic

City Street Breakdowns

• Move to curb or parking area
• Avoid blocking intersections or driveways
• Use parking lots when available
• Consider one-way street traffic patterns

Visibility and Warning Devices

Making your vehicle visible is crucial for safety:

Essential Warning Equipment

• Hazard Lights: Activate immediately upon stopping
• Reflective Triangles: Place 100-200 feet behind vehicle
• Flares: Use in low visibility conditions
• High-Visibility Vest: Wear when outside vehicle

Triangle Placement Guidelines

• Highway: 200 feet behind vehicle
• City Streets: 100 feet behind vehicle
• Curves/Hills: Beyond the curve or crest
• Multiple Lanes: Place in your lane and shoulder

Personal Safety Protocols

Where to Position Yourself

• Away from Traffic: Stand behind barriers when possible
• Uphill from Vehicle: Avoid being downhill on slopes
• Visible Location: Where approaching traffic can see you
• Exit Strategy: Always have escape route planned

What to Wear

• High-visibility safety vest or bright clothing
• Reflective materials for nighttime breakdowns
• Appropriate footwear for walking on pavement
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Communication and Help

Getting help quickly and safely:

Calling for Assistance

• Emergency Services: Call 911 for immediate danger
• Roadside Assistance: Contact your service provider
• Location Details: Provide mile markers, exit numbers
• Vehicle Description: Make, model, color for identification

Information to Provide

• Exact location with landmarks
• Nature of the problem
• Number of people in vehicle
• Any injuries or medical conditions
• Weather and traffic conditions

Special Situations

Nighttime Breakdowns

• Use extra lighting and reflective devices
• Keep interior lights on to increase visibility
• Be extra cautious when exiting vehicle
• Consider staying in vehicle until help arrives

Bad Weather Conditions

• Increase following distance before breakdown
• Use headlights and hazards in rain/fog
• Avoid standing outside in severe weather
• Keep emergency supplies for extended waits

High-Traffic Areas

• Exit vehicle on side away from traffic
• Move to safest available location
• Call for professional help immediately
• Avoid attempting repairs in traffic

What NOT to Do

Avoid these dangerous mistakes:

• Don't stop in travel lanes unless absolutely necessary
• Don't stand behind or in front of your vehicle
• Don't attempt major repairs on busy roads
• Don't accept help from strangers in isolated areas
• Don't leave vehicle unattended without proper warning devices
• Don't walk on highways to get help

Preparing for Breakdowns

Prevention and preparation save lives:

Vehicle Maintenance

• Regular maintenance reduces breakdown risk
• Check tires, fluids, and battery regularly
• Address warning signs immediately
• Keep fuel tank above quarter full

Emergency Kit Essentials

• Reflective triangles or flares
• High-visibility safety vest
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit and emergency supplies
• Charged cell phone and car charger