Car Broke Down? Stay Safe with these Roadside Tips

It’s only a matter of time before a car needs to go in for some repair work. But, unfortunately, those trips to the mechanic don’t always happen at a convenient time. We don’t always get a chance to plan ahead for a day to bring the car into the shop. Nobody ever wants to find themselves in the position of being stuck on the side of the road with a broken down car, but it’s something that happens to many drivers every day. Not only is it a frustrating situation to be in, it can be dangerous if you’re not careful. So what can you do to stay safe if your car breaks down while you’re on the road?

Turn On Hazard Lights

As soon as you realize you’re having car problems, turn on your car’s hazard lights so that other drivers are aware of your situation and will (hopefully) give you some extra space on the road.

Move to Safety

If it’s at all possible, one of the most important things you can do is pull your car onto the shoulder of a road or to another safe location, like a rest stop or parking lot, at the first sign of problems. If you start seeing signs of car trouble while driving on a busy road like a highway or interstate, try to exit or turn onto a side road with less traffic. This is important to prevent your car from being hit by other cars on the road. Try to avoid stopping at the bottom of a hill or around curves or corners where other drivers might have a difficult time seeing you. 

Make Yourself Visible

Once you’re stopped, it’s important to make sure other drivers on the road are able to see you. In addition to leaving your car’s hazard lights on, this can include putting out flares or reflective emergency triangles or turning on your car’s interior lights. If you need to put out flares or reflective triangles, make sure traffic is clear before getting out of your car. 

Stay in Your Car

Ideally, it’s best to stay in your car with your seatbelt on while you wait for help to arrive, even if you think you can handle repairs on your own. It’s very easy for people to get hit by other drivers who aren’t being careful. If another car hits your stopped car, being inside the car will help give you some extra protection. If you do need to leave your car, try to get out through the passenger side so that you’ll be better protected from oncoming traffic. 

Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

Even if you do everything you can to stay safe on the road, the actions of other drivers can still result in you becoming the victim of a car accident. If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Goodwin & Scieszka, you’ll be able to get help from a lawyer experienced in handling motor vehicle accident cases in the state of Michigan. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

Image: Credit Pexels / Gustavo Fring