Breaking down on a motorway is one of the most frightening experiences a driver can face. While the hard shoulder provides a designated space away from moving traffic, it's not without its dangers. Vehicles often pass at high speeds, and the hard shoulder itself can be used by emergency services or even other broken-down vehicles. Your utmost priority must be the safety of everyone in your vehicle.
The essentials
Immediate Actions: Stopping Safely and Signalling
As soon as you realise you're breaking down, try to make your way to the hard shoulder if it's safe to do so. Indicate clearly and pull over as far to the left as possible, leaving as much space between your vehicle and the live carriageway as you can. Angle your wheels slightly to the left, away from the traffic. Immediately switch on your hazard warning lights. If it's dark or visibility is poor, also turn on your side lights. Do not use a warning triangle on a motorway, as it's too dangerous to place and retrieve.
Evacuate Safely and Quickly
Once stopped, instruct everyone to exit the vehicle from the left-hand side (the passenger side) only, away from the moving traffic. Move everyone, including children and pets, behind the safety barrier, well away from the road. If there's no barrier, stand as far up the embankment as possible, away from the flow of traffic. Do not return to your vehicle unless instructed to do so by emergency services or your recovery provider.
Calling for Help: Pinpointing Your Location
From your safe position, call for assistance. When speaking to your breakdown service or the emergency services, it's crucial to give an accurate location. Look for the small blue and white driver location signs often found every 100 metres along motorways. These signs have unique numbers that help pinpoint your exact position. Black & White Recovery offers 24/7 assistance for cars, vans, and motorbikes, including those stranded on motorways. We understand the urgency and danger involved, so please have our number saved in your phone for when you need us most.
Waiting for Recovery: Stay Alert and Safe
While waiting for help to arrive, remain behind the safety barrier. Do not stand between your vehicle and the live carriageway. Even if the weather is bad, your safety is more important than comfort. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions. Your recovery team will know exactly how to approach and secure the scene safely.
