Breaking Down on the Freeway
Breaking down on the freeway can be extremely dangerous, especially with fast-moving traffic all around. In fact, a Houston woman was recently hit and thrown off a freeway overpass after her car broke down on I-69. Unfortunately, this type of tragedy happens regularly but by following a few crucial steps, you can stay safe and handle the situation effectively.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The moment you realize something is wrong with your car, it’s essential to stay calm. Keeping a clear head will help you assess the situation logically and avoid making rash decisions. Pay attention to the car’s behavior—whether it’s slowing down, making strange noises or showing warning lights on the dashboard.
2. Pull Over Safely
If at all possible, try to pull your vehicle to the right-hand shoulder or an emergency lane, or all the way off the freeway. Avoid the left-hand side of the freeway (next to the fast lane), as it is far more dangerous due to the higher speeds. Signal to let other drivers know your intention, and try to steer your car off the road as soon as possible.
If you can’t make it to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights immediately and remain in the car until it’s safe to exit or move. Try to avoid stopping in traffic lanes, especially in high-speed areas, as this puts you at significant risk.
3. Turn on Hazard Lights
Once you’ve pulled over, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation. If it’s dark or visibility is low (e.g., in heavy rain or fog), turning on your car’s interior lights can also help other drivers see you.
4. Stay Inside Your Vehicle if It’s Unsafe
On a busy freeway, it is safer to stay inside your car, especially if traffic is heavy or moving quickly. Keep your seatbelt on and stay inside unless there is an immediate danger (like smoke or fire). Moving outside of your vehicle can expose you to other cars driving at high speeds.
5. Call for Help
Use your phone to contact roadside assistance or emergency services. Many insurance policies, car manufacturers and credit card companies offer roadside assistance programs, so it’s a good idea to have these contact numbers saved in your phone. Be clear about your location and give specific details to dispatchers.
In situations where you don’t know your exact location, modern smartphones often allow you to share your GPS location, which can help responders find you faster.
6. Get Out of the Car Only if Necessary
If staying inside your car poses an immediate danger, such as if you’re in a high-speed lane or if there’s smoke or fire, get out of the vehicle carefully. When exiting the vehicle, always exit through the side of the car that faces away from traffic to avoid stepping into oncoming lanes.
If you’re able to safely exit, stand a good distance from the roadway. Try to stay on higher ground or behind a guardrail, but never cross active traffic lanes.
7. Stay Visible
If you must exit your car, ensure that you stay visible to other drivers. Flashlights, reflective vests and even bright-colored clothing can help prevent accidents while you’re waiting on the side of the road. Avoid sitting or standing in any areas where cars might veer off the road.
8. Know What Not to Do
- Don’t stand in front of your car: If your car is rear-ended by another vehicle, you could be pinned or severely injured.
- Don’t try to fix your car unless it’s safe to do so: On a busy freeway, attempting repairs can be extremely dangerous. Only attempt to make quick, safe fixes (like changing a flat tire) if you’re far from traffic and conditions are safe.
- Don’t abandon your car unless you have no other option: Leaving your car in an unsafe place, especially on a busy freeway, can cause traffic problems and increase the risk of accidents.
9. Plan for the Future
Being prepared for breaking down on the freeway is key to reducing the stress and danger of the situation. Consider these preventive steps to minimize risks:
- Keep your vehicle maintained: Regular check-ups can prevent many breakdowns before they occur.
- Carry an emergency kit: Stock your car with essentials like reflective triangles, a first-aid kit, flares, a flashlight and a portable phone charger.
- Know your emergency numbers: Keep your insurance and roadside assistance numbers easily accessible in case of an emergency.
- Have a backup plan: If you often drive long distances or in remote areas, plan how you’ll handle emergencies when service stations or help may be far away.
Breaking down on the freeway can be frightening, but by following these steps, you can manage the situation calmly and safely. Remember to prioritize your safety and the safety of others by being prepared.
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Image by TravelScape at Freepik
