What should you do if you breakdown on a motorway?

When a vehicle breaks down on a motorway, the primary concern is the safety of the occupants and other road users. Putting on hazard lights is crucial as it alerts other drivers to your presence, indicating that your vehicle is stationary and may pose a hazard. This is particularly important on a busy motorway where moving traffic is a constant risk.

Getting behind a safety barrier is also a proper safety measure. Most motorways have safety barriers designed to protect occupants of broken-down vehicles from oncoming traffic. By moving to a safe area behind these barriers, individuals minimize the risk of injury from passing vehicles. This action helps create a clear distinction between the breakdown scenario and the ongoing traffic, which is essential for ensuring safety.

Although placing a warning triangle can be beneficial, it is less effective if the vehicle is not adequately secured and could lead to a higher risk if done incorrectly. Similarly, moving to the left lane or trying to call for help can expose individuals to danger, as it may place them in the path of traffic, which is unpredictable. Waiting in the vehicle without taking necessary precautions might also leave occupants vulnerable to accidents.

Thus, activating hazard lights and seeking safety behind a barrier aligns with best practices for ensuring maximum safety following a breakdown on a motorway.