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Finding yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere is never pleasant. Not all of us pay a membership fee to a roadside recovery service which makes getting ourselves and our cars home even more of a challenge.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, there are a number of steps that you should take to ensure your safety and that of your vehicles occupants. This article will provide you with an overview of what to do.
- Secure Your vehicle
We aren’t always in control of exactly where our car stops when it breaks down, but if you’re able to, we would always recommend getting the vehicle off the highway under its own steam. The hard shoulder or a layby is perfect for this task.
If you can’t reach an appropriate stopping place, at least position your vehicle as far away from traffic as possible.
- Make Your Car Visible
Other road users need to be able to see your vehicle in good time so they can take evasive action. For this reason, always leave your hazard lights on as well as your sidelights.
This may eventually drain your battery but hopefully not before the vehicle can be recovered. If you have a warning triangle then now would be a good time to use it. Place it approximately 45 metres from the rear of your car.
- Make Yourself Visible
If you are carrying a high vis vest, now is the time to use it. People don’t reflect light as well as cars do so other motorists will likely not be able to see you in dark environments.
- Move Away from Your Vehicle
Sitting in your vehicle unless absolutely necessary is never a good option. Accidents are often caused by stranded vehicles being hit from traffic travelling in the same direction as they don’t expect a car to be stopped in the road.
To ensure your safety, exit the car and stand behind a barrier if possible.
- Call a Recovery Company
If you’re a member of any of the well known vehicle recovery services, call them once you’ve reached a safe place. They will need to know your location so try and work out exactly where you are. In most instances, they will be able to attend to you within the hour and hopefully get your car working. If they can’t, you will be towed to your home, a garage, or other location of your choice.
Other Recovery Options
If you don’t have breakdown cover, use your phone to locate a recovery company operating in your area. A simple web search should be able to assist you in this process. If you’re in Scotland, car rescue recovery in Glasgow from LM Recovery is a possible option. Like any other recovery company, they will be able to secure your vehicle and transport it to a location of your choosing. There are several companies providing these services so if safe to do so, ring a few to see which is cheapest.
You’re never alone when you’ve broken down. Always follow the procedure we’ve outlined above and call for help.
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