Roadside Breakdown Tips*

First, don't panic. Panicking may cause you to make the situation even more dangerous. Stay calm and follow a logical sequence to get your vehicle safely off the road.

Your first action should be to slow down. You should also look for a safe place to pull over, but you must have slowed your vehicle sufficiently to use the space you locate. Remember that if you pull off the road, your vehicle will lose traction; if you haven't slowed down enough, your vehicle could skid or become uncontrollable.

If you have a phone, call 134TOW. Or 134 869

Give the main road you are on and the road of the closest intersection.

Let them know if you are in a dangerous location.

 

Relay the following information to the call centre

• Your vehicle registration number.
• Your exact location.
• A brief description of the problem.
• A contact telephone number (where possible).

 

Get your vehicle as far from the traffic as possible or into a breakdown lane/curb lane if on a highway/freeway

Ensure your vehicle is as far off the road as possible to avoid slowing down traffic and possibly cause an accident. If you cannot remove your vehicle far enough away from the road and traffic, leave your vehicle and wait at a safe distance.

 

 

Turn on your emergency flashers, tie a white cloth to the left door handle or antenna, and raise the hood to indicate that your vehicle is stopped and disabled.

 

Don't try to push the car if you're alone - it may become uncontrollable.

Get out of the car - wait away from it well off the road and behind guard rails (if provided).

If you are going to remain in your vehicle ensure you still have your seatbelt on with the doors locked. (unless your vehicle is too close to traffic) or stay in a nearby building with a view to your vehicle so you see the tow truck when it arrives. Again, keep the doors locked.

If approached by an unknown person, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked. Wind your window down slightly, but not far enough for them to reach in.

Keep your mobile phone handy and switched on.

 

 

If you're concerned or frightened by their presence, activate your horn while switching your headlights on and off. Call the police on 000.

 

If in heavy traffic or a dark area, be careful moving around outside the car

Wait under some shade if it's hot

Make yourself visible in the dark or wait in a well-lit area

Collect items you do not wish to leave in your car if your car is going to a garage for repairs.

Where possible keep enough money for a cab fare and phone calls.

If you have friends coming to your rescue, make sure they park behind your vehicle. This will allow the tow truck access to the front of your car for hook up and transportation

Be careful when exiting the vehicle. When the way is clear, exit carefully but quickly and close the driver-side door behind you. Walk to the passenger side of your vehicle. Passengers should exit the vehicle on the side away from traffic.

 

*These tips are intended as a guide only. Other precautions not mentioned may also assist in personal safety. This list may not include every possible precaution required.