Breakdown Safety

1. Take action to avoid breakdowns. If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked before you take to the road.
2. Pull the vehicle off the roadway as far as possible. If you are having vehicle trouble, and there is a safe place to pull off, get out of moving traffic.
3. If you require assistance, turn on your hazard lights, call for roadside assistance or 911. The internationally recognized sign of distress is raising your vehicle hood.
4. If it is necessary to leave your vehicle, exit on the side away from moving traffic. It is much safer to stay as far away from moving traffic as possible.
5. Be careful with lit flares. They can ignite anything flammable, including dry grass or weeds beside the road.
6. Keep moving if you can. A roadway without a shoulder is the most hazardous place to break down. Do not stop because of a flat tire, it is usually best to keep driving until you find a safe area in which to pull over. Your tire rim is less important than your life.
7. Protect yourself. If your vehicle is safely pulled out of moving traffic get out of your vehicle and stand behind the guardrail until assistance arrives.
8. Do not try to fix your car. It is dangerous to work on your car in or near fast moving traffic, leave it to the professionals.
9. Never try to cross a high speed roadway on foot. If your car stalls in a lane on the highway, turn on your hazard lights, stay belted in the car, and wait for professional help.
10. Rely on good common sense. There are many different circumstances that may require different reactions so survey the area and use good judgment.