A breakdown on a high-speed road isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. With smart motorways removing hard shoulders in some areas, many drivers are unsure how to respond. Quick, informed decisions can mean the difference between a minor delay and a serious hazard. Knowing what to do before it happens ensures you stay safe.

Immediate Actions

As soon as you notice an issue, switch on your hazard lights. If possible, steer towards the left-hand lane and move into a hard shoulder.Smart motorways have changed how breakdowns are handled. If there’s no hard shoulder, head for an emergency refuge area marked by a blue sign with an orange SOS symbol. If you break down in a live lane, stay in your car, keep your seatbelt on, and call 999.

Traffic officers monitor these motorways and can close lanes using overhead signs. Drivers whoignorethese warnings risk fines. Understanding these rules can prevent confusion and reduce risk.

Once stopped, turn your wheels towards the verge and exit the vehicle through the left-hand door. Stand behind the safety barrier, well away from traffic. Keep pets inside.

Emergency Services and Breakdown Assistance

Once you’re in a safe place, call for help. If you have a breakdown cover policy, contact your provider and give them your location. This is one of the many reasons why car insurance is so important.Many modern insurance providers and breakdown services use GPS to track your location, but if yours doesn’t, use motorway marker posts or road signs to help describe where you are.

If you don’t have a mobile phone or the battery is dead, use one of the emergency roadside phones. These bright orange phones are located at intervals along the motorway and connect directly to National Highways. Using them provides operators with your exact location, making it easier for help to reach you.

Preventative Measures

Breakdowns don’t always just happen by chance. Regular maintenance keeps your car running smoothly and reduces the likelihood of a roadside emergency. Before long journeys, check your oil, coolant, and tyre pressure. Worn tyres or low tread can make a motorway breakdown even more dangerous, increasing the risk of skidding or blowouts.

According to National Highways, motorway and A-road network breakdowns are rising, with over 274,000 incidents recorded in 2023. Neglecting a simple check-up could lead to a sudden failure at high speed, turning a manageable issue into a serious problem.

Legal Responsibilities

Breaking down on a motorway comes with legal obligations. The Highway Code states that drivers must use hazard lights to warn others, avoid making repairs on the hard shoulder, and wear high-visibility clothing if they exit the vehicle. Ignoring these rules doesn’t just increase risk; it can also result in fines or legal action.

Emergency refuge areas are not to be used for stopping due to something casual, and leaving a vehicle in a dangerous position can lead to prosecution. Drivers must also move vehicles off the motorway as soon as possible once assistance arrives.

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