How to Manage a Car Break Down on the Road

Having your car stop suddenly in heavy and fast-moving traffic can be terrifying. It can even be any driver’s worst fear, especially the car they’re driving isn’t theirs! Whether you’re preparing your company drivers for a pick-up or searching Google frantically for a solution, don’t let worry overcome you! Instead, practice these steps to ensure that you and your car arrive at your destination safely.

Preparing for the eventuality

A responsible driver makes it a habit to check the car before using it on a trip, especially if it’s a long journey. But as a business owner, you’re probably often too busy to do this yourself. Before handing the keys over to an employee, you must ensure that they follow this practice.

Keep in mind that it’s your responsibility to verify a driver’s qualifications before letting them use your vehicle. Failure to do so may hold you liable for “negligent entrustment”. Hopefully, your auto insurance premiums are paid up if this happens.

Consider getting your car serviced if you haven’t done so in the past few months. Aside from ensuring its roadworthiness, you also need to check for a breakdown kit onboard or if some of the tools and supplies need to be replaced.

A typical kit should include the following:

• a flashlight
• an early warning device
• jumper cables
• coolant/antifreeze
• water
• a tripod jack

You may also want to have a reflective vest, which is useful for increasing driver visibility. This simple garment can reduce the risk of accidents and make it easier for the driver to be noticed when help is needed.

Once the car is in motion, the driver should always pay attention to dashboard warning indicators and be alert to any unusual noises that the car might make. It is always a good idea to stop at the nearest gas station to have the car checked before serious problems develop.

Dealing with a mechanical failure on the road

When trouble occurs on the road, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you’re experiencing difficulties. This is one of the most important things you can do and applies to all times of day, not only at night. Leave the lights on as you slow down and even after you’ve come to a complete halt.

Try to head toward the nearest highway exit if you can still drive the vehicle safely. This gets you safely out of harm’s way and makes it easier for recovery vehicles to get to you. If you can’t get off, pull over to the vacant strip on the side of the road (called the hard shoulder) and park the car as far from traffic as possible.

Exit your vehicle from the passenger side away from traffic. Put on your high-visibility clothing to be more noticeable to other drivers if you have it. If possible, climb over the safety barrier located beside the road and stay near the rear of your car. Do not attempt to perform minor repairs on your vehicle at this time to reduce the risk of getting hit by fast-moving cars.

If the road doesn’t have a hard shoulder, look for the nearest Emergency Refuge Area (ERA). If it is too far away, stop your car at the leftmost part of the road and exit the vehicle. Climb over the barrier alongside the road and call emergency services.

If you can’t move your car out of heavy traffic, turn on your hazard lights, strap on your seatbelt, and contact the local emergency line. Most modern highways have CCTVs that can detect breakdowns, so highway personnel will know to close your lane and call for help.

After you’ve done all that, you can contact a breakdown company or a local garage for assistance. Remember that this comes at a cost, sometimes up to thousands of dollars. Furthermore, some garages may be unavailable during weekends or outside business hours. Before an incident even occurs, it is a good idea to save the phone numbers of garages and auto repair professionals in your area so you know who to contact in case of an emergency.

Breakdowns are never easy to deal with, but preparation can make them more manageable. Make sure you are prepared for any eventuality, and you and your car can hopefully make it home in one piece.

About Daniels Insurance, Inc.

At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.