IT often happens that one’s car breaks down while driving and this can be due to many different problems.
However – there’s no need to panic if you know what safety precautions to take. Here are a few:
- If you notice your car is breaking down, pull your vehicle off the road next to the slowest lane. Make sure the road behind you is visible and straight so that it is easier to spot oncoming traffic.
- If your car happens to stop in the middle of traffic or a moving highway and you can’t move it, do not get out of the car! This would be a death wish. Wait inside until help arrives.
- When it’s after dark, turn on your lights. Make your vehicle as obvious as possible to avoid accidents. Use your reflective traffic triangle – place it a few feet behind your vehicle. If you don’t have a triangle, secure a piece of white cloth or paper out of your window to notify fellow drivers to proceed around you.
- Never linger by the side of your vehicle that is closest to moving traffic. If it’s daylight, put on your emergency blinkers to alert oncoming traffic to the fact that your vehicle isn’t moving. This is not a good idea at night because motorists coming up behind you may think that your vehicle is still rolling along the highway and run right into the rear end of your car.
- The best tip of all: always have your charged cellphone nearby and subscribe to a roadside service now. You will thank yourself when they come to save you – nobody ever plans to have their car break down and it can happen to anyone at any time. Be prepared!
References:
Deanna Sclar – www.dummies.com
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