How to Stay Safe if Your Vehicle Breaks Down

Today’s vehicles are more reliable than ever. But that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to untimely breakdowns. Tire-related issues are always a risk factor that drivers face, as are things like running out of gas, overheating engines, or problems with their vehicles’ exhaust systems.

Experiencing a breakdown isn’t just inconvenient—it can also be dangerous. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to reduce your risks if your vehicle encounters problems:

• Turn on your flashers and pull over to a safe spot—Whether a tire blew, you lost all power, or you see smoke coming out of your hood, your first step should be signaling to other drivers that you’re in distress by turning on your flashers. Then, start looking for a safe place to pull over right away, whether it’s a nearby side road, parking lot, or shoulder.
• Assess the situation—If smoke is coming from your vehicle, or you notice flames, move away from it as quickly as possible. If the issue is less pressing, such as a flat or blown tire, don’t replace it if you’re parked on the shoulder. Instead, call a tow truck. People die every year while changing tires on the side of highways and interstates.
• Stay in your vehicle if there’s nowhere to stand—Sometimes breakdowns happen on stretches of road without roomy shoulders or pull-off points. If that’s where your breakdown occurs, stay inside your vehicle and call for help, whether it’s roadside assistance or even 911.

Too many people are injured or even killed every year by drivers who fail to move over or accommodate them when they’re in distress. If you or someone you love is injured by a negligent driver, we want to help. Contact the Appleton auto accident attorneys at Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.