Breaking down on the road is what everyone dreads and there is no getting away from the fact that it is not a pleasant experience, always know what your car insurance policy covers regarding breakdown assistance. Here are a few tips to get you back on the road and home again as quickly as possible.
Get to a Safe Place
If you break down on a major road or motorway, the most important thing is to get yourself to a safe place immediately. This may mean leaving your car with the hazard warning lights flashing and standing on the side of the road. On more minor roads, try to keep your car in as close to the side of the road as possible, so as not to block other traffic.
Call for Help
Use your mobile phone to call an emergency breakdown service or mechanic, or use one of the roadside emergency phones to call for assistance. You will need to give your exact location, which may be more difficult when using a mobile phone. Operators answering emergency calls from roadside phones know the exact location of the phone the call was made from. Always keep your membership information for breakdown services in your car in case a situation such as this arises.
Stay Warm
While waiting for help to arrive, it may be safer and warmer to sit in the car. If your car is in a dangerous position, wait outside. Call the Garda and inform them of the situation, as they may wish to attend the scene and help direct traffic around the vehicle while you wait for help to arrive.