Breaking down on the road is never fun, and it usually happens at the worst possible moment—during peak traffic, late at night, or in bad weather. While calling a tow truck is the right first step, what you do while waiting is just as important. Your safety comes first, and a few simple precautions can make a huge difference.
In short: stay visible, stay calm, and stay out of danger. The following tips will help keep you safe in any breakdown situation across Australian roads.
What’s the First Thing You Should Do After Breaking Down?
Before anything else, get your vehicle into the safest spot possible. If the car is still moving, steer it:
- onto the shoulder
- into a breakdown lane
- into a side street
- or as far left as you can safely manage
The goal is to get out of the flow of traffic. Even moving a few metres can significantly reduce risk.
Once stopped, switch on your hazard lights immediately. This alerts other drivers that your car isn’t functioning normally.
Should You Stay Inside or Outside the Vehicle?
This depends on where you’ve broken down:
Safe to Stay Inside:
- Quiet suburban streets
- Low-traffic areas
- Daytime, good visibility
Safer to Wait Outside:
- Highways and freeways
- Busy main roads
- Areas with fast-moving traffic
If you need to exit, do so from the passenger side to avoid stepping into traffic.
When waiting outside, stand well away from the road, ideally behind a barrier or on a footpath. Never stand in front of or behind your car—other drivers might not stop in time.
How Can You Make Your Vehicle More Visible?
Visibility is everything. The more noticeable your vehicle is, the safer you’ll be.
Do this as soon as you’ve pulled over:
- Turn on hazard lights
- Turn on parking or full headlights in low light
- Place a reflective warning triangle at least 20–30 metres behind your vehicle
- Wear a hi-vis vest if you have one
These steps help approaching drivers slow down and move around you safely.
What Should You Avoid Doing While Waiting?
A breakdown is frustrating, but some things can make the situation more dangerous. Avoid:
- Attempting repairs on the side of a busy road
- Standing close to traffic
- Leaving the car completely blocking a lane
- Accepting help from random people if you feel uncomfortable
- Walking far from the vehicle, especially at night
Your goal is not to fix the car—it’s to stay safe until help arrives.
How Do You Stay Safe at Night or in Bad Weather?
Night-time and poor weather conditions add extra risk. If visibility is low:
- Keep all lights on
- Stay inside the vehicle with seatbelt fastened if traffic is heavy
- Use your phone’s torch carefully to avoid blinding drivers
- If you must wait outside, move far from the road edge
Bad weather makes cars harder to control, so standing too close to traffic becomes extremely dangerous.
Should You Let the Tow Truck Driver Know Your Exact Location?
Yes—clear communication reduces your waiting time and keeps you safer. When you call for help, provide:
- Landmarks
- Nearest exit or cross street
- Direction of travel
- Whether you’re on the shoulder or in a lane
- If you’re in a dangerous spot
The more detailed your information, the faster the tow truck can locate you.
How Do You Keep Yourself Calm While Waiting?
Breakdowns are stressful, but staying calm helps you think clearly. While waiting:
- Call someone to let them know where you are
- Keep your phone charged
- Avoid pacing near the road
- Don’t accept lifts from strangers
- Stay focused and aware of your surroundings
If you’re in a remote area, staying inside the vehicle with doors locked is often the safest option.
What Should You Carry in Your Car for Safety?
A few simple items can make breakdowns less stressful:
- Reflective triangle
- Hi-vis vest
- Torch
- Phone charger or portable battery
- Basic first-aid kit
- Emergency contact numbers (including a tow truck)
- Water for long waits or hot days
These essentials are cheap and could be life-saving.
Staying safe while waiting for a tow truck comes down to simple, sensible steps—get off the road, stay visible, and stay alert. Breakdowns happen, but when you know how to handle them, the experience becomes far less stressful. With the right precautions and a reliable towing contact ready to go, help will be on its way and you’ll be back on the road (or safely headed home) in no time.
If you are in St Kilda, and looking to sell your car or get cash for trucks, below is the best way to visit us.
Eastern Cash For Cars
720 High St Rd, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150
(03) 7035 7830
www.easterncashforcars.com.au
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