What Should You Do at the Scene of a Car Breakdown or Other Emergency?
If your car breaks down you may be able to fix the problem yourself, if you can’t you’ll need to get help.
- Make Others Aware of Your Problem
- Put on your emergency flashers.
- Raise the hood of your car.
Stay in the car if it is well off of the roadway, otherwise; get away from the car.
- Protect Yourself
You can wait inside your car if the weather is bad and you’re far enough off the road. Keep the windows cracked and the doors locked. Do not sit in a stopped car with the windows closed, engine running, and the heater on as you are exposing everyone in the car to carbon monoxide poisoning. Never stand behind or directly in front of your car as other roadway users may have trouble seeing you and you could be struck by an oncoming vehicle.
- Make Decisions When Help Comes
Emergency road service operators can usually change a flat tire, jump your dead battery, and bring extra gasoline.