DVSA advises drivers to call 999 immediately if they break down on motorway

The DVSA has issued guidance to motorists who experience sudden breakdowns on motorways. The agency advised drivers, road users and motorists to "be prepared" should their vehicle unexpectedly break down whilst travelling on the motorway. In a post on X, the DVSA explained: "Would you know what to do if your vehicle broke down on the motorway?

If you can't reach a place of relative safety, you should: stay in your vehicle; keep your seat belt and hazard warning lights on; call 999 immediately." The Highway Code's Rule 275 states: "If you need to stop your vehicle in the event of a breakdown or incident, try to stop in a place of relative safety. A place of relative safety is where you, your passengers and your vehicle are less likely to be at risk from moving traffic.

"The safest place to stop is a location which is designed for parking. On motorways and other high-speed roads, the safest place to stop is a service area." The guidance continues: "Be aware that hard shoulders provide less protection than other places of relative safety because they are so close to high-speed traffic," reports Birmingham Live[1].

"You and your passengers should, where possible, keep well away from your vehicle and moving traffic. Otherwise moving traffic could collide with your vehicle, forcing it into you and your passengers." Rule 276 of the Highway Code advises placing a warning triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or using other approved warning devices if available.

Always exercise caution when setting up or retrieving them, but remember they are not to be used on motorways. If feasible, keep your sidelights on in dark conditions or when visibility is poor. Use your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers if your vehicle is causing an obstruction.

If possible, move your vehicle off the road. In low light or poor visibility, avoid standing in a position that blocks other road users from seeing your lights. To ensure you're visible to other road users, wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility.

Avoid standing (or allowing anyone else to stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.

References

1. ^ Birmingham Live (www.birminghammail.co.uk)