Breakdown etiquette

Vehicle breakdowns aren’t just an inconvenience; they can also be dangerous if drivers don’t know the right safety measures to follow. 

We surveyed UK drivers to ask them what they would do if they broke down in certain situations, whether it’s on a busy motorway, a quiet country road or even in a car park.

How should drivers handle breakdowns on different types of roads?

Breaking down can happen anywhere–on a busy motorway, a quiet country road, or even while stationary in a car park. Each scenario requires a different approach to ensure safety, with the actions drivers should take depending on their surroundings and the specifics of the situation. Using the survey, we looked into how drivers typically respond to breakdowns and whether their actions follow the correct safety advice.

Motorways

As part of the survey, we asked drivers what they would do if they broke down on a regular motorway. The motorway is often fast, busy and can be a particularly hazardous place for a vehicle to break down. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if you breakdown on a motorway.

Despite 92% of drivers saying they’d use hazard lights in this situation, nearly one in 10 remain unaware of how important this step is for visibility and safety.

If your vehicle breaks down on a motorway, turning hazard lights on is essential. Start by pulling over as far left as possible, turning your wheels to the left, and switching on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers and give them time to react.

 The survey also showed 92% of drivers would call their breakdown provider, meaning almost one in 10 wouldn’t. A further 88% of drivers say they’d use the hard shoulder on a regular motorway, leaving a surprising 12% of drivers unaware of the importance of this. Failing to use the hard shoulder on motorways can be dangerous, as it increases the risk of collisions with fast-moving traffic. Drivers should immediately pull over safely, use the hard shoulder if available, and contact their breakdown provider for assistance.

Smart Motorways

Smart motorways differ from regular motorways by using technology like CCTV, radar, and sensors to monitor traffic and manage incidents with tools such as variable speed limits, lane closures, and overhead signs. Unlike traditional motorways with a permanent hard shoulder, some smart motorways repurpose the hard shoulder as a driving lane during busy times.

On smart motorways, only 85% of drivers say they’d use hazard lights, despite their important role in warning approaching traffic. Not using hazard lights on smart motorways can be dangerous as it makes it harder for other drivers to see a stopped vehicle, increasing the chance of collisions. This is even more dangerous on this type of road as there is often no hard shoulder available, meaning broken-down drivers are often stationary in live lanes. So, drivers should always turn on their hazard lights right away to warn other road users.

If your vehicle breaks down on a smart motorway, try to reach the nearest emergency area (EA) or exit. If stuck in a lane with running vehicles, move to the leftmost lane, switch on your hazard lights, and exit the vehicle if it’s safe. Otherwise, stay inside, seatbelt fastened, and call 999.

Only 82% of drivers say they would call their breakdown provider on a smart motorway, but seeking immediate help is essential. Always report your breakdown and, if in an EA, use the SOS phone to contact National Highways who will provide further instructions.

 A further 13% would place a warning triangle near their car after breaking down, and 41% would place it 45m behind. However, using a warning triangle on any motorway is extremely unsafe and can put you at serious risk by stepping into live traffic. Keep yourself safe by exiting your vehicle on the left hand side (if it’s safe to do so) and call for assistance as soon as possible. 

A roads 

An A road is a major road that connects cities and and can either be a dual or single carriageway. But what are the steps most UK drivers think they should take if they break down on a road like this? 

Contacting your breakdown provider should be a top priority if broken down on an A road, and 93% of drivers agree. However, 15% of 18–24-year-olds wouldn’t call their breakdown provider for help, with a substantial 38% opting to contact friends or family instead. Professional help is essential, but your first priority should always be reaching a safe location, like a hard shoulder or lay-by, before making the call.

Hazard lights are essential for alerting other drivers that your vehicle is stationary on an A road as well as on a motorway. While 89% of drivers understand this, 11% appear to overlook this step. Turning them on early can significantly reduce the risk of collisions.

Similarly, 75% of drivers know to pull over quickly, but a substantial 25% may not act with enough urgency. Delaying this step puts you at greater risk of being an obstacle to passing vehicles.

 44% of respondents correctly said they would place a warning triangle behind their car if they broke down on an A road. This helps warn traffic of a broken-down vehicle in good time. However, 15% would put it beside their car, which is risky as it could put them in traffic and provide less warning to other drivers.

Country roads

Country roads are known for their winding lanes, high speed limits and often unpredictable road situations, like cattle in the road.

On country roads, 95% of drivers say they would call their breakdown provider. Only 90% would also switch on their hazard lights, leaving a substantial 10% of drivers unaware of the importance of turning these on if broken down on a country road.

Only 69% of drivers would pull over immediately. Country roads can have higher speed limits and fewer places for drivers to safely stop or manoeuvre around a stationary vehicle. Pulling over reduces the chance of creating an unexpected hazard and keeps both you and other road users safe.

Overall, 38% of drivers said they would use a warning triangle if they broke down on a country road. However, nearly half of them (18%) would place it next to their car, which goes against safety guidelines. Only 20% said they would place the triangle 45 metres behind the car, which is the correct practice to warn drivers of an obstacle ahead in good time.

City roads

City roads are found in urban areas, often surrounded by buildings, with slower speeds, more traffic, and usually lots of pedestrians.

On city roads, 95% of drivers would contact their breakdown provider, similar to country roads. However, only 85% activate hazard lights, possibly due to slower traffic and better visibility in urban areas.

While 66% would pull over immediately, just slightly below the 69% on rural roads, only 36% would look for a lay-by, which are less common in cities. Instead, drivers may stop in less safe areas like parking spaces or side streets, increasing the risk of accidents.

Do drivers know what to do if they break down in a car park?

While often less dangerous than breaking down on a major road, it can still be a huge inconvenience to break down in a car park. It can also cause obstructions, and there’s are still potentials for accidents to happen.

If drivers were to break down in a car park, the most common action would be to call their breakdown provider, with 97% of drivers choosing this option.

A significant portion, 61%, would stay in the vehicle for safety, while 31% would contact a family member, friend, or partner for help. Additionally, 26% of drivers would turn on their hazard warning lights to alert others.

What are the key steps if you break down?

Breaking down can be stressful, and while the steps to take are generally consistent, it's important to acknowledge that there are nuances depending on where your vehicle breaks down. Your safety and the safety of others depend on understanding your surroundings and taking appropriate action. Here are the general rules to follow:

1. Turn on hazard warning lights: Ensure your car is visible to other road users to reduce the risk of collisions. This is particularly important on motorways, country roads, and other high-speed routes.
2. Pull over safely: Move to a safe location such as the hard shoulder, a layby, or as far to the left as possible. On smart motorways, aim for an emergency area (EA) if available. In urban or car park settings, find a spot that minimises obstruction.
3. Exit the vehicle safely: If safe, exit the car from the passenger side, move behind a barrier, or stand in a safe place nearby. On motorways, avoid remaining in the vehicle unless mobility issues make it necessary.
4. Call your breakdown provider: Contact professional help immediately to reduce your time in a vulnerable position. If on a motorway, use an SOS phone to alert the Regional Control Centre if needed.
5. Avoid dangerous practices: Do not use warning triangles on motorways as they require stepping into live traffic. Instead, focus on staying visible and reporting your location accurately to emergency services or breakdown providers.

It’s important to have breakdown cover for moments like these. Even though your car might already be stationary and in a safe position, the AA can come out to help you and get you moving again.