Breaking down on a motorway can be scary, especially if you are in a hire van you are not used to, and you don’t know what to do. Read our ‘What To Do if You Break Down in a Hire Van on the Motorway’ tips below for more help and advice…
What To Do if You Break Down in a Hire Van on the Motorway
If you have a problem with your hire van on a motorway, the Highway Code says to leave the road at the next exit or pull into a marked service area. If this is not possible, pull onto the hard shoulder and stop the vehicle as far left as possible, avoiding soft verges, and stop with your wheels turned fully to the left.
Getting out of the van
- Once you have safely stopped, put the hazard lights on. If it’s dark, also put your sidelights on.
- Leave the van by the passenger side door. Make sure any passengers do the same.
- Walk some distance up the verge if possible. If you have a reflective jacket then put it on so others can see you.
- Never use a warning triangle on a motorway.
Calling for help
When everyone is safely out of the van and well away from moving traffic you should call for help, do not attempt even simple repairs.
If you don’t have a phone on you, walk to the nearest emergency phone which connects you directly to the highways agency. These are bright orange boxes at one-mile intervals on the hard shoulder and are easily identified.
While using the phone do not turn your back on the traffic. You need to make sure you are visible to other road users.
Provide emergency services with as much information as you can, including your location and who you are travelling with.
Getting back to your van
When you are back with your van, wait at a safe distance until help arrives.
Van Hire Warrington
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