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6 Tips to Remember During Your First Car Breakdown

Rule #1: Don't freak out.

By Angela FausonePublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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So you've geared up for a big car trip and the first two hours go off without a hitch, but all of a sudden something is wrong. What do you do when your car is beeping at you or making strange noises? Is that smoke you smell? Is the car all of a sudden lower on one side?

A survey by AAA has found that 40 percent of US drivers are not ready to deal with typical roadside emergency breakdowns. And, unsurprisingly, that number increases when it comes to drivers that have never experienced a car breakdown. Your very first breakdown can be scary, but it’s important to stay calm and remember these six safety tips:

1. Move your car to the shoulder.

No matter the issue with your vehicle, the most important step when you experience a breakdown is to move your car out of the way of oncoming traffic. If you are at all able, move your car to the furthest right side of the road, turn your hazards on, put your emergency brake on, and turn your wheels away from the road. This ensures if anything happens to your vehicle, it will move away from other drivers and oncoming traffic.

2. Call for help.

Whether it’s your trusty roadside assistance service or your dad, making a call for help will get you off the shoulder of the road quickly and safely. It’s important to always carry a phone charger with you in case of an emergency and a dead battery. If you are in an area you don't know, alone, or if your car breakdown happens at night, calling the police for assistance or to wait with you until help arrives is advisable.

3. Turn on your hazards.

Letting others on the road know that you are in trouble, or at least pulled over in the shoulder, is a precaution you should take in order to keep yourself and other safe. Especially at night, hazards will alert other drivers that you are there and will signal to them to slow down because people may be out of the vehicle and on the road. If you have a road safety kit, this would also be a good time to light up a flare or put out orange cones about 50 feet behind your vehicle to alert other drivers your car is on the shoulder.

4. Stay with your vehicle.

It may sound obvious, but staying with your vehicle makes it so you will be able to greet the roadside assistance or help you called as soon as they arrive. Wandering alongside the roadway, crossing barriers, or stepping into oncoming traffic is the most dangerous thing you could do. If you do get out of your car, make sure the coast is clear and you have enough room to do so safely. A study by the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 10 percent of all pedestrian accidents happen on the shoulders, medians, or bicycle lanes of roads. If you don’t feel that exiting your vehicle is safe, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

5. Don’t do it yourself.

Being big into DIY or watching a few YouTube videos won't help you here. If you’ve never changed a flat tire or checked under the hood, now is not the best time to try it out. Figuring out or fixing your car problems can be tricky business—it’s better if you let the professionals handle it.

6. Be careful of strangers.

There are plenty of great people out there willing to help you if you end up stuck on the side of the road. However, not everyone’s intentions are pure. Use your common sense. If a stranger pulls over to help you with your car, make sure to mention that help is on the way. If you haven’t called anyone yet, now is also the time to do so.

Preventative Steps

Many accidents and breakdowns can be prevented with regular maintenance and car check ups. Before you embark on your trip, make sure to have your car checked out at your local dealer or auto shop. If you don’t have time, make sure to do a quick self check of the following:

  • Check your oil.
  • Check your windshield wiper fluid.
  • Check the tire pressure.
  • Check front and rear lights—including high beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights.
  • Restock your car safety kit.

If you find yourself in an accident or breakdown that was due to the negligence of another—such as car defects, auto recalls, debris falling from another car, or unsafe roadway conditions—you may be able to receive compensation. If this is the case, contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Be safe & happy travels!

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About the Creator

Angela Fausone

Happy when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the coffee pot is full.

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