Your car breaks down unexpectedly? Don’t panic. Follow these crucial steps to stay safe, get help, and handle a roadside breakdown effectively.
What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down in the Middle of the Road?
A car breakdown is a stressful situation, especially if it happens in the middle of the road. Knowing what to do when your car breaks down can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. This guide provides essential steps to take to ensure your safety and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
1. Safety First: Get to a Safe Location
Your immediate priority is to get yourself and your vehicle to the safest possible location:
⦁ Signal and Move Over: If your car is still drivable, activate your hazard lights (emergency flashers) immediately. Signal your intentions and carefully move your car as far to the right side of the road as possible, ideally onto the shoulder or emergency lane. Avoid stopping in a traffic lane if at all possible.
⦁ If You Can’t Move: If your car is completely disabled and you’re stuck in a traffic lane, keep your hazard lights on, and if it’s safe to do so, carefully exit the vehicle from the passenger side (away from traffic). Move to a safe location away from the road, preferably behind a guardrail or barrier.
⦁ Stay Visible: Make your car as visible as possible. Hazard lights are crucial, day or night. If you have reflective triangles or flares, place them well behind your car (at least 50-100 feet) to warn approaching drivers.
⦁ Stay Aware Keep your eyes on the traffic.
2. Assess the Situation (Safely)
Once you’re in a relatively safe location, try to assess the situation, but only if it’s safe to do so.
⦁ Don’t Attempt Major Repairs: Unless you’re a skilled mechanic and the problem is very minor and easily fixable (like a flat tire in a safe location), don’t attempt major repairs on the side of the road. It’s dangerous and often ineffective.
⦁ Identify Obvious Problems: Check for obvious issues like a flat tire, smoke, or unusual noises. This information can be helpful when you call for assistance.
⦁ Stay Inside: If you are on a busy road, stay inside the car with your seatbelt.
3. Call for Help
⦁ Roadside Assistance:
In Bangladesh, if your car breaks down, the first step is to check whether you have access to roadside assistance. This may be available through your insurance provider, car dealership, or a third-party service. Some companies like BRTA-affiliated garages, Uber Garage, or private towing services in Dhaka and Chattogram offer 24/7 assistance. Keep their contact numbers saved in your phone for emergencies.
⦁ Emergency Services:
If your vehicle is in a dangerous position — such as on a highway or a busy road — or if there’s been an accident with injuries, immediately call the national emergency number 999 in Bangladesh. This connects you to police, fire service, and ambulance services. It’s crucial to prioritize safety and get help quickly if the situation is critical.
⦁ Inform Someone:
Always notify a trusted friend, family member, or colleague about your breakdown. Share your exact location using Google Maps or your phone’s location-sharing feature. This is especially important if you’re stranded in a remote or unfamiliar area.
4. While You Wait
⦁ Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel stressed, but staying calm will help you think clearly and make good decisions.
⦁ Conserve Phone Battery: Avoid using your phone for non-essential calls or browsing to conserve battery power.
⦁ Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay alert to traffic and any potential hazards.
⦁ Do not accept helps from strangers: There might be a ill motive.
5. Be Prepared: Have an Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit in your car can be invaluable during a breakdown. A basic kit should include:
⦁ Jumper cables
⦁ A flashlight (with extra batteries)
⦁ A first-aid kit
⦁ Reflective triangles or flares
⦁ A basic tool kit
⦁ Water and non-perishable snacks
⦁ A blanket (especially in cold weather)
⦁ A fully charged power bank for your phone
Knowing what to do when your car breaks down can significantly reduce stress and improve your safety. Remember to prioritize safety, call for assistance, and be prepared with an emergency kit.
What other essential items do you keep in your car emergency kit? Share your suggestions in the comments!
