Breakdowns

By the end of this topic you can

• You can get the car off the road, or as far left as possible, when it develops a fault.
• You can warn other traffic with hazard lights and, where safe, a warning triangle.
• You can get yourself and passengers to a safe place.
• You can call for help and describe your location.
• You can explain what is different about breaking down on a motorway.

What you need to know and understand

• Switch on hazard warning lights as soon as you stop because of a breakdown.
• Wear a high-visibility vest when you get out. The Rules of the Road advises carrying at least two.
• On ordinary roads you can place a reflective warning triangle far enough back to warn traffic, if it is safe to do so.
• Never place a warning triangle on a motorway.
• On a motorway, stop on the hard shoulder as far left as possible, leave by the left-hand doors and wait behind the barrier.
• Motorway roadside emergency phones show your exact location automatically.
• In an emergency, call 112 or 999.

Breaking down on an ordinary road

1. Signal and move as far off the road as you can: a lay-by, a wide verge or a side road, away from bends and hill crests.
2. Switch on hazard warning lights. At night, keep sidelights on too.
3. Put on a high-visibility vest before getting out, and get passengers out on the side away from traffic.
4. If it is safe, place a warning triangle far enough back to give approaching drivers time to react. Near a bend, make sure traffic from both directions is warned.
5. Keep everyone well away from the road while you wait.
6. Call your breakdown service or a garage. Call 112 or 999 if anyone is in danger or the car is blocking the road.

The motorway is different

• Leave at the next exit or service area if the car will still go.
• Otherwise, stop on the hard shoulder as far left as possible, with hazard lights on.
• Get everyone out through the left-hand doors and wait well behind the crash barrier.
• Do not try to repair the car, and do not put out a warning triangle.
• Use the roadside emergency phone, or call from a mobile using the location marker signs to describe where you are.
• When rejoining, build up speed on the hard shoulder and merge only when there is a safe gap.
• If you cannot get out safely, stay in the car with your seat belt on and hazard lights flashing.

Be ready before it happens

Many breakdowns can be prevented with simple checks: fuel, oil, coolant, tyre pressures and lights. Keep a breakdown kit in the car, including at least two high-visibility vests, a torch, a warning triangle and a first aid kit. Save your breakdown cover number in your phone, and know how to switch on your hazard lights without looking for the switch.

Common mistakes

• Stopping on a bend or the brow of a hill. Coast on to a safer, visible spot if you can.
• Standing beside or behind the car. Move well away from traffic.
• Placing a triangle on a motorway. It is too dangerous.
• Getting out on the traffic side. Use the doors away from traffic.
• Forgetting your location. Note road numbers, junctions and marker signs as you drive.

Test yourself: Breakdowns

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Irish Road Signs Explained