Breakdown on the road: the right reflexes before the recovery truck arrives

A breakdown is first a safety matter, and only then a mechanical one. The first minutes count: a vehicle stopped on the carriageway is an obstacle other drivers see late, especially at night, in the rain or on a bend. Here is the order of things to do.

Signal and pull over

As soon as the vehicle falters, switch on the hazard lights and slow down without braking hard. Pull over as far right as possible: verge, hard shoulder, farm entrance, car park. If the engine stalls in the middle of the lane and the car will not move, leave the hazard lights on and get out: do not stay inside on a busy road.

Get out safely

Put on your high-visibility vest before getting out, not after: it must be within reach in the cabin, not in the boot. Get out on the side away from the traffic, have the passengers get out on the same side, and get everyone behind the barrier or well away from the road. Children and pets stay with you, held.

The triangle, yes, but not everywhere

Off the motorway, place the warning triangle about thirty metres behind the vehicle, further back before a bend or the top of a hill, so that drivers see it before they see the car. Only do it if you can walk along the roadside safely. On a motorway or dual carriageway, do not place the triangle: walking on the hard shoulder is too dangerous. Hazard lights and the emergency phone are enough (see our article on breaking down on the motorway).

Call, and say the right things

Once you are safe, call. To save time, have four pieces of information ready:

• where you are: the town, the road, the direction of travel, a landmark (roundabout, shop sign, kilometre marker, road number);
• the vehicle: make, model, registration, and whether it still drives;
• what is happening: warning light, noise, smoke, battery, tyre, collision;
• your insurance, if your policy includes breakdown cover: the company, and the policy number if you have it.

With that, the recovery driver knows what to bring and gives you a price before leaving.

While you wait

Do not attempt a repair at the edge of the carriageway, and do not keep trying the starter if the engine will not fire: you would drain the battery for nothing. Do not get into a stranger’s vehicle that stops: wait for the recovery driver, who announces himself and comes with his truck. Keep your phone charged and to hand, and stay behind the barrier until he arrives.

In the Pays de Gex

On the roads of the Pays de Gex, from Gex to Collonges and from Divonne to Ferney-Voltaire, Europe Dépannage answers (our details are on the contact page) and tells you when the truck can be there. Repair on the spot when possible, towing to the garage of your choice otherwise.