Breaking Down in Vehicles

Have you experienced breaking down in a vehicle? I learnt that each year, hundreds of people lost their life or suffer serious injuries while working or stopped at the roadside or on the motorway hard shoulder due to vehicle breakdown.

This can be a very worrying experience and can be very dangerous. It is vital for all drivers and passengers to know what to do in the event of breakdown.

First, do not stand beside your vehicle on the road or in a parking area. Try to park your vehicle away from the main road, keep your vehicle locked and within eyesight. Walk away from your vehicle, don't position yourself where you can hit by passing vehicles, stay high attention on your vehicle, passengers, and on coming traffics.

If you have a flat tyre that you have to change, try not to do this at the road side. If possible use a second vehicle to block/protect yourself. Try to stop with the flat tyre facing the roadside. Post a lookout to warn you of approaching vehicles, put warning triangle in front and beside the site. Use Hi Vis jackets if possible.

Do not wait for help inside the vehicle. Get out of your car - it is dangerous to stay inside as you are at risk of being hit from the rear at highspeed by passing cars. Never try to cross lanes to the other side of the road as it is lethal. Women tend to wait inside the car for help, but statistic has confirmed that the chances of being hit inside the car is higher than getting attacked by someone outside the vehicle.

Hope this tips helps!