Emergency Breakdown Recovery? Follow These 5 Steps

Experiencing a vehicle breakdown can be stressful and potentially dangerous. Whether you're on a busy motorway or a quiet country road, knowing what to do in the event of a breakdown is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. In this guide, we will outline five essential steps to take if you find yourself in an emergency breakdown recovery situation. 

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first and most important step is to remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation more difficult to handle. Take a few deep breaths and assess the situation calmly. If you are in a dangerous location, such as the fast lane of a motorway, it is vital to act quickly and carefully to move to a safer spot if possible.

Key actions:

1. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.
2. If you can, move your vehicle to the hard shoulder or a lay-by.
3. If it is unsafe to exit the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and call for help.

2. Exit the Vehicle Safely

Once you have moved your vehicle to a safer location, it's crucial to exit the vehicle safely. The best practice is to leave the vehicle through the passenger side to avoid oncoming traffic.

Key actions:

1. Ensure it is safe to exit before opening the door.
2. Leave the vehicle through the passenger side, especially if you are on a motorway or busy road.
3. Stand well away from the vehicle and traffic, ideally behind a barrier if there is one.

3. Make Your Vehicle Visible

Making your vehicle visible to other drivers is essential to prevent further accidents. In addition to your hazard lights, use warning triangles and any other visibility aids you may have.

Key actions:

1. Place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic.
2. If you have high-visibility clothing or a reflective jacket, put it on.
3. Use any other visibility aids, such as a reflective vest or flares, especially in low visibility conditions.

4. Call for Breakdown Recovery Assistance

Once you and your vehicle are safely off the road and visible to other drivers, it's time to call for professional breakdown recovery assistance. Have your details ready so that you can provide accurate information to the recovery service.

Key actions:

1. Call a reliable breakdown recovery service and provide your exact location using markers, GPS, or nearby landmarks.
2. Inform them of your situation and any safety concerns.
3. Stay in a safe location while waiting for assistance.

5. Stay Safe While Waiting for Help

While waiting for breakdown recovery assistance to arrive, it's important to stay safe and visible. Avoid standing in front of or behind your vehicle, and keep well away from traffic.

Key actions:

1. Stay behind a barrier or well away from the road if possible.
2. Keep your mobile phone charged and within reach.
3. Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

Breaking down on the road can be a daunting experience, but by staying calm and following these steps, you can ensure your safety and the safety of others. Always remember to make your vehicle visible, call for professional assistance, and stay safe while waiting for help.

Make Breakdown Recovery Wigan your first choice for efficient and professional assistance when you encounter a breakdown. Our team is committed to providing fast, reliable, and safe recovery services, ensuring you get back on the road with minimal hassle. Simply search "breakdown recovery near me" on the internet to find us!

Check out our latest GBP update about the five steps to take if you're in an emergency breakdown recovery situation.

Breakdown Recovery Wigan

01942925806

13 Queen Street,

Wigan,

WN3 4HU,

United Kingdom