If your vehicle breaks down on the road, think about safety, first. Here are some safety guidelines to remember:
Consider your own safety
- Get your car off the road as soon as possible
- Ensure your passengers are safe and that animals (if you happen to bring your pets) are kept under control.
- Warn other road users by using your hazard warning lights if your car is causing traffic
- Put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres behind your broken vehicle on the same side of the road, or employ other permitted warning devices that you may have. But be cautious on where you place them. Never use them on motorways.
- Keep your sidelights on if visibility is poor
Calling for help
- Don’t use your mobile phones if there is a danger from petrol spillage or fumes
- Contact the emergency services. Also, it is great to have the number of your trusted emergency roadside assistance company handy in case you need them. For Raleigh car towing and other roadside emergencies, call Unlimited Recovery at 919.790.9393.
- Provide clear instructions of your general location: road number, direction of travel and specific local landmarks.
- Be specific with your vehicle type and color, registration number and how many passengers are in the vehicle.
- If you can tell the possible cause of the breakdown, it will also help
- Never leave the keys in the car. If possible, lock all the doors except the front passenger door.
- Do not attempt to do repairs on your own, especially if you don’t really understand the cause of the breakdown.
- When help arrives, ask for proof of identification and verify if the person knows your name and other details you provided on the phone.
- NEVER get into a car with a stranger
- If someone offers help, just stay inside your vehicle with the doors locked, keeping the windows partially open.
