14 February 2025 · 2 min read
A motorway breakdown is one of the most stressful situations any driver can face. The traffic is fast, the hard shoulder is narrow (or missing entirely on a smart motorway), and it can feel like there is nowhere safe to go. The good news is that a clear plan makes a huge difference. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in the order you should do it, so you can act calmly if it ever happens to you.
1. Get off the carriageway if it is at all possible
If your car is losing power, try to reach the next exit, service area or emergency refuge area (ERA) rather than stopping on the live carriageway. On a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, an ERA — marked with an orange surface and a blue sign showing an SOS phone — is by far the safest place to wait.
2. Pull as far left as you can
If you must stop on a hard shoulder, get as far left as possible and turn the wheels to the left. Put your hazards on straight away, and switch your sidelights on in poor visibility.
3. Get out on the left — and away from the vehicle
Everyone should leave the vehicle through the nearside doors and stand well behind the safety barrier, up the embankment if there is one. Do not stay in the car unless it is unsafe to get out (heavy traffic, no barrier, mobility issues).
4. Call for help
Once you are behind the barrier, call 999 if you feel in immediate danger, or your breakdown provider if not. Give the marker post number from the small blue signs at the roadside — it is the fastest way to tell responders exactly where you are.
5. Stay visible and stay put
Wait behind the barrier until recovery arrives. Do not try to fix the car on the hard shoulder yourself — not even a wheel change. That is exactly what recovery operators are for.
If you break down anywhere in the UK, Grizzly Recovery can be with you 24/7. One call and we will get you and your vehicle to safety.
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