What is the sequence of actions to take when a vehicle breaks down on the highway?
2 Answers
When a vehicle breaks down on the highway, the following measures should be taken: 1. Turn on the hazard warning lights: The driver should immediately activate the hazard warning flashers and move the vehicle to a place where it does not obstruct traffic. 2. Place a warning sign: If the vehicle is difficult to move, the hazard warning flashers should remain on, and warning signs should be set up in the direction of oncoming traffic to increase the warning distance. However, the warning sign should be placed at least 150 meters away from the direction of oncoming traffic. All passengers should quickly move to the right shoulder or emergency lane and call the police immediately. 3. Call for assistance: If the vehicle breaks down or is involved in a traffic accident on the highway and cannot be driven normally, it should be towed or pulled by a rescue vehicle or a tow truck.
When my car suddenly has a problem on the highway, I always turn on the hazard lights immediately to alert the vehicles behind me, because the speed on the highway is high, and not turning on the lights can easily lead to a rear-end collision. Then, I slowly move the car to the roadside or emergency lane—it’s too dangerous to stop in the driving lane. After stopping safely, I get out of the car, take the triangular warning sign from the trunk, and walk back several dozen meters to place it, at least 50 meters, so that other cars can see it from far away. Then, I and everyone in the car quickly exit the vehicle and move to a safe area outside the guardrail, staying far from the road and not lingering. I use my phone to call 122 or the insurance company’s rescue hotline, clearly stating my location and the issue, and then wait calmly for help. The whole process should be quick but not panicked—there are many sudden situations on the highway, and safety is the top priority. By the way, I always keep a safety toolkit in my car, including a triangular sign, flashlight, and first aid kit. This is a lesson learned from years of driving experience, and it really helps.
