Car Breakdown or Accident on a Motorway

Car Breakdown on a Motorway

There have been many stories about vehicles breakdown or  accidents that could have been prevented on motorways. For instance a man told to wait in the passenger side of his car on the hard shoulder was killed after a lorry crashed into his breakdown car.

Unfortunately this is not an uncommon scenario.

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To ensure you stay safe:

• Always leave the car. The majority of vehicle accidents or breakdown happen with passengers inside a stationary car on a hard shoulder. Get out AS SOON as you can. Even if it is dark and you are a lone female you have more chance of being killed by a speeding vehicle on the hard shoulder than you do by an opportunist attacker in the dead of night.
• Exit from the left! Never leave the car from the driver’s side. This kills. Gary Rhodes made this mistake and was very badly injured. Leave by the passenger side.
• Get off the Motorway. Climb up the embankment or over a fence to the nearest field, anywhere but on the road or the hard shoulder.  It should go without saying that trying to cross a motorway is foolish and should not be attempted!
• If there are people who can’t move- such as the disabled. Make sure they have their seatbelt fastened securely and leave them in the car. 
• Pets should also be left in the car as if they run into the road or cause a distraction to passing drivers they can cause huge accidents.

The hard shoulder is a very dangerous place indeed and only suitable for stopping, not staying. Due to the dangerous nature of the hard shoulder, you may find that your car is crashed into which is obviously distressing however as long as you are all safe you’ll be thankful as you can easily find a breakdown car recovery company who will scrap your car for free, or tow your vechile.

You can be prepared by making sure you always have water, an extra layer of clothing and a fully charged phone on you when you’re driving.