A motorway breakdown is a roadside emergency, not a normal repair stop. The safest response depends on whether you can reach a refuge or the hard shoulder without creating more danger. Switch on the hazard lights, move left only if it is safe, and stop as far from moving traffic as possible. Do not attempt to cross lanes to reach a phone or service area.
The RSA advises occupants to leave through the left-hand door where possible, move behind the crash barrier and wait well away from both the traffic lanes and the hard shoulder. Keep children under control. If leaving the vehicle is not safe, remain inside with seatbelts fastened and hazards on. Call for assistance using a roadside phone or mobile, giving the motorway, direction of travel and location marker if visible.
Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway and do not attempt a roadside repair on the hard shoulder. Passing traffic and limited escape space make even a quick tyre change dangerous. A high-visibility vest is useful to carry, but it does not make it safe to stand beside the car.
Before joining a long trip, the RSA recommends checking tyre pressure, oil, coolant and fuel or battery range. This is prevention rather than a guarantee: a vehicle can still fail. If you use breakdown cover, check whether it includes motorway recovery, onward travel and recovery from home. Basic assistance may not include every service a driver assumes.
