How to handle a breakdown on the motorway

Stay calm and follow our advice on getting out of the car

What to do if you breakdown on the motorway

If you suspect your car is having difficulties then get off the motorway as soon as possible. If there is no exit for some time then get into the left hand lane and continue driving for as long as it is safe to do so.

To ensure you and your passengers remain safe if your car breaks down on the motorway you can do several things to help.

Obviously staying calm is important. This can be quite tricky if you're surprised by an event or accident or your car suddenly breaks down.

Take account of what's going on around you at all times. Speeds are very high on the motorway and this can be disorientating.

If possible get your vehicle on to the hard shoulder. Do not continue driving, but pull over as far left as possible to get yourself away from speeding traffic. If possible stop at one of the emergency phone numbers as they are numbered and this makes finding you very easy.

Switch off your engine and get everyone out of the left hand side of the car. This keeps you away from the traffic which can create quite a draft which could pull you towards the vehicles quite easily.

Get everyone out and put the hazard lights on. This helps make you more visible both to other drivers as well as the emergency services. If you have pets with you then keep them well under control.
If you have an emergency triangle then place it 50m behind the car to warn other drivers.
If you have emergency vests in your car kit then put them in. They will alert drivers to your prescence and help the recovery truck spot you.

If there is a barrier then stand well behind it, and if not then make sure everyone is well away from the road.

Locate the emergency phone or use your mobile to contact your breakdown company. Use numbers on the phones or markers to identify where you are.

Do not try to change tyres or do minor repairs. The motorway is simply too dangerous to risk this. There is very little space at the side of the road and stepping backwards into the traffic would be fatal.
If you feel at risk because there are people approaching you who you are suspicious of, then get back into the car and lock the doors. This puts you at risk though if your car is hit by other traffic. So weigh up any situation carefully.

If you did not make it to the hard shoulder you should put your hazard lights on immediately. Get out of the car as soon as it is safe to do so. If the motorway is very busy you might have to wait some time. This will be stressful but contact the police on your mobile as well to alert them to your situation and they will attempt to get to you to assist as quickly as possible. Use 999 in this situation. They will need to know where you are so give as much information as clearly as possible.
If you do not have a mobile then you will have to wait until either someone else rings them for you, or you can safely cross the carriageway.

If you are waiting for a long time for your rescue your battery may start to fade. In this case it is probably best to turn off the car, although recovery services should be able to sort a flat battery out.

What information should you give the police - as much as possible about your location, the colour and make of car, reg number and who is with you. If you have someone who is elderley, heavily pregnant or disabled you might need medical attention. Tell the police what's happened and who you are.