If you break down

You must not stop on the hard shoulder to:

• go to the toilet
• use a mobile phone
• check a route or map

Step by step

If an emergency forces you to stop:

• Pull on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible with the wheels turned to the left.
• Leave your sidelights on and turn on the hazard warning lights.
• Get out of the vehicle by the left-hand door and make sure that all your passengers do the same.
• Leave animals in the vehicle or, in an emergency, keep them under proper control on the verge.
• If you have reflective jackets in the vehicle wear them. Do not use a warning triangle on the hard shoulder.
• make sure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder, and that children are kept under control. It is best to retreat up the bank, or behind a barrier if this is possible.
• Don't attempt even simple repairs.

Calling for help

Once in a safe place use a mobile phone to call the AA (for AA breakdown call 08457 887766), making sure you can describe your location – look out for the new Driver Location Signs which will help us pinpoint your location and direction of travel, or there are reference numbers on all telephones and marker posts.

If you have a smart phone you can download the AA App which uses the GPS function on the phone to find the your exact location.  With the simple touch of an icon both the call and the location are transferred to the AA Control Centre.

If you don't have a mobile walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the carriageway – never attempt to cross the carriageway. Follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder – the phone is free and connects directly to the police/Highways Agency. Give full details to the police and tell them if you are a vulnerable motorist, such as a woman travelling alone.

If you feel at risk from another person, return to your vehicle by a left-hand door and lock all doors. Leave your vehicle again as soon as you feel this danger has passed.

Rejoining the carriageway

Build up speed on the hard shoulder and watch for a safe gap in the traffic before rejoining the carriageway. Be aware that other vehicles may be stationary on the hard shoulder.

If you can't get across to the hard shoulder

• Stopping on a running lane is extremely dangerous.
• Switch on your hazard warning lights.
• Don't attempt to place any warning device on the carriageway.
• Leave the vehicle only when you can safely get clear of the carriageway.

If you have a disability which prevents you from following the above then stay in your vehicle, switch on your hazard warning lights and use a mobile phone, if you have one, to contact the emergency services.

Get your vehicle off the road if possible and warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights, particularly if your vehicle is causing an obstruction.

• If you have a reflective jacket, put it on.
• If you have any fear that your vehicle may be struck by other traffic make all your passengers get out of the car and get well away from the traffic. Question whether it is safe for you to fix the car or whether you need professional help.
• If it is safe and you have one, put a warning triangle or other permitted warning device on the road at least 45 metres (50 yards) behind your broken down vehicle on the same side of the road. Always take great care when doing this.
• Keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor.
• Do not stand (or let anybody else stand), between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
• At night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights.
• Use your mobile phone, the AA App or any other available phone to contact the AA (For AA breakdown call 0800 887766 or, if calling from a mobile, 08457 887766.)
• If you have used a warning triangle remember to retrieve it, with care, when the breakdown is over.

The AA was a founder member of SURVIVE, a group of people, organisations and agencies dedicated to the promotion of driving safety.

SURVIVE is a partnership between the Highways Agency who are responsible for managing the motorway network, the Association of Chief Police Officers, the breakdown/recovery industry, and other road service providers.

SURVIVE has been established to improve the safety of those who work on the road network and the travelling public.

The SURVIVE group has published a handy leaflet "Surviving the Hard Shoulder" which summarises best practice advice on what you should do if you breakdown on a motorway. Why not print a copy and keep it handy in the glovebox of your car?

Visit the Survive Group website »

(31 October 2011)