4 Tips to stay safe if your Car breaks down

If your car ever breaks down on the side of the road it can be a frustrating and scary experience, especially if it happens at night or in the middle of nowhere.

Here are the top 4 tips to stay safe should your car ever break down…

1. Pull over and move to safety. If it is possible, move your vehicle off the road surface as far as you can. NEVER get out of your car on a busy highway, always move to a safe spot first, no matter how much noise or smoke your car is making.

2. Use your hazard lights. Regardless of where you have pulled over, always turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know that there is something wrong and your car has stopped – this is especially important if you have broken down at night.

3. Call for help. If your car has broken down to the point that you cannot drive it to safety, stay inside and use your phone to call for assistance. It is also a good idea to call your family and friends, etc. to let them know where you are and that your vehicle has broken down.

4. Stay with your car until help arrives. Never leave your car and get into another car with a stranger. In today’s world, it is not safe to trust anyone you don’t know! Rather contact someone to fetch you, call the police or press the SOS button on the PatrolMan app neighbourhood watch app.

Be sure to always carry roadside safety kits for emergencies. Your kit should include:

- Jumper cables
- Canned instant tire inflator
- Heavy-duty rope
- Gloves and warm blanket for winter breakdowns
- First aid kit (Supply Doctor) 

Whether it is a flat tyre, an accident or your car has simply given up – there is a good chance that you will experience a break down at least once in your lifetime. Don’t let a bad situation become worse, make sure you know how to stay safe if your car ever breaks down.