Preparing for trouble

• When you are driving, always stay aware of your approximate location, the road number, name of the nearest town and any landmarks. Help will come quicker if they can find you easily.
• Carry a road map, to be sure you can explain precisely where you are.
• Keep suitable coins or a phonecard in the car at all times, so that you are always equipped to call for assistance.
• If you have a mobile phone, make sure its battery is kept topped up, to last throughout any long journey.
• Have the number of road recovery service handy, to summon expert help.
• Carry a red warning triangle, to use for alerting other traffic if your car is broken down.
• Always have warm clothes, a rug, some chocolate and water on board, for emergency use if you get stuck for some time in cold conditions.
• Keep a torch permanently in the car.
• If you tend to drive in light shoes, keep a pair of sturdy walking shoes stowed in the boot.
• Carry a light-coloured, weatherproof coat and something reflective in the car, to wear if you have to go for help in bad weather, poor light or after dark.

What to do if you breakdown

• Be alert for trouble signs; always respond to warning lights, they come on for a reason and shouldn't be ignored.
• If the car starts playing up, pull off the road and stop in a safe position, switch on the hazard lights and seek advice.
• If the car stops suddenly on the road, put on the hazard lights and if possible place a warning triangle 50 paces back down the road to warn other traffic.
• If you can call for help easily by means of a mobile phone or nearby payphone, do so, then stay in the car and lock the doors.
• If you have to leave the car and walk to find a phone, be sure to take notice of any helpful landmarks and memorise your route, so you can find the way back. It is easy to become disorientated if you are stressed. 

Breaking down on the motorway

• Pull onto the hard shoulder, as far off the carriageway as possible.
• Take care as you exit the car; get out on the passenger side.
• Look for the nearest roadside marker pole: they're spaced 100 metres apart, and carry a direction arrow showing the direction of the nearest emergency telephone.
• When you locate a roadside phone, you will be connected to a police operator, who will want to know your name, car's make and colour, the nature of the problem and whether you belong to a breakdown service.
• When you return to your car, you may feel safest waiting outside it, up the embankment, where you can watch for the arrival of the recovery vehicle.
• If you are travelling alone and prefer to stay inside the car, lock the doors and sit in the passenger seat, to create the illusion that you are with someone who has gone for help.
• If a stranger stops to help, open a window slightly to talk to them and assure yourself that all is well before unlocking the doors.