Like most drivers, you do not expect that your car might get broken in the middle of the journey.
But bear in mind the essential things to do to stay safe. Below you can read advice from the RSA on how to handle the situation.
- If possible pull over to a safe place on the road. Some national roads could have hard shoulders. In case if there isn’t one, you should pull over as far left as you can do.
- Use your hazard lights and if the light is too poor or visibility is low then turn on your sidelights as well.
- After warning drivers, the cars would be passing a bit slower than usual. Its adviced that you should still better get out of your car on the left-hand side of the road. So you avoid those unnecessary dangers and prevent any issues from occurring.
- If you have a high visibility vest – put it on.
- Do not open the bonnet of the car immediately. Firstly, turn off the car and wait till the engine get cold enough. Don’t do any repairs on the car, doesn’t no matter how small they seem to be. A lot of people have warning triangles in cars, RSA advises don’t place them behind cars on the motorway, but on the other roads place them 50 meters behind the car.
- Call the Garda but you have to know your location. After contact your 24 hours DDR Breakdown Assistance 0863318447 and 00353863318447 if you dial from Northern Ireland.
After essential actions were taken and as you wait for Garda and Breakdown Assistance, you should get back in your car once you put warning red triangle. This is the safest place to be.
Even some experienced drivers might forget the above information, but since you are familiarized please share this article with your friends and family.