It is likely that we will all experience some kind of roadside emergency when driving at some point. It could be something small, such as getting a flat tyre, or something more serious such as mechanical breakdown or even an accident. What is important is that we know how to deal with the emergency when it happens so that we remain safe until our roadside recovery service arrives.
Roadside emergencies could happen anywhere, from a small country lane in the middle of nowhere, to a busy motorway. Accidents or breakdowns could happen day or night – perhaps when we least expect it. So before setting off on every journey, it is important to know what to do in case something goes wrong.
Three Top Safety Tips
One of the greatest risks of breaking down whilst driving is causing further accidents. This could involve other vehicles in a collision with your vehicle, or with people in the car becoming vulnerable on the road as pedestrians. Therefore, it is imperative you consider the safety of you and your passengers before deciding on any action.
1) Move to Safety
If your car breaks down on a busy road, it is most important that you get the car out of the way and move it to a safe spot on the side of the road. If your car is immobile, then you must proceed with extreme caution.
Never stand on the road to inspect your vehicle or assess the damage. Always move to the side of the road and call your roadside recovery service from there.
However, if you can move your car, then move it. Good roadside safety dictates that you should attempt to move your vehicle out of harm’s way. The issue mostly on your mind should be preventing any further accidents.
2) Call for Help
On UK motorways, there are emergency “SOS” telephones spaced out 1 mile apart. From these phone boxes, you’re able to call the emergency services free of charge to request help.
However, most of us have mobile phones these days so you can call from the scene of the breakdown or accident to save time. So, remember to always keep your phone fully charged when leaving for a long trip – particularly if it’s going to be on a route you’ve never driven on before.
3) Stay Safe
There are two numbers you should be calling in the event of a roadside emergency. The first is your vehicle breakdown recovery service. And if you’ve been in an accident with another vehicle, then you should call the police.
If you’re not a member of a 24-hour recovery service yet, it really makes sense to join one to get covered in times of a roadside emergency. Joining one of these services will help you get your car back on the road as soon as possible, as well as increase your safety.
Stay safe on the road with LM Recovery
If you need to contact us in an emergency, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Call us on 01698 269 949 to speak to one of the team at LM Recovery.
We are based at Unit 3, 638 Merry Street, Motherwell, ML1 4BP. You can also email us on info@lmrecovery.com or contact us through our website, using the contact form, and then we’ll get back to you.
