What To Do When Your Car Breaks Down On The Road?

🛑1. Pull over and stay calm

When your car suddenly loses power or shows serious signs of trouble, panic is a natural reaction. Try to stay calm and avoid sudden steering movements. Use the vehicle's remaining momentum to safely move onto the shoulder, a widened section, or off the roadway.

⚠️2. Turn on your hazard lights immediately

The first and most important step as soon as you notice a problem is ensuring visibility. Immediately turn on all four hazard lights. This is a clear signal to drivers behind you to slow down and change lanes in time.

🦺3. Put on a reflective safety vest

The law requires it, and practice proves it saves lives: before you even open the door to get out of the vehicle, always put on a reflective safety vest. It should always be within reach inside the cabin (never packed away in the trunk), so you are visible the moment you step onto the road.

🚪4. Exit the vehicle safely (Golden Rule)

This is critical for your safety: never exit on the side facing traffic! All passengers, including the driver, should leave the vehicle through the right-hand doors. If you are on a highway, immediately move behind the safety barrier. Staying inside or right next to a stopped vehicle is extremely dangerous.

🔺5. Set up the warning triangle

While walking along the road edge to place the triangle, carry it in front of you so other drivers can spot you more easily. According to traffic safety law, the triangle should be placed at the following distances:

• In town/built-up areas: no less than 10 meters
• Outside town: no less than 50 meters
• On a highway or expressway: no less than 100 meters

Note: If the breakdown happened right after a blind curve, make sure to place the triangle BEFORE the curve.

📝6. European Accident Report (Only in case of a traffic accident)

If the reason for stopping isn't a breakdown but a minor collision with no injuries and only minor material damage, you need to fill out the European Accident Statement. It allows for a quick exchange of information between parties and makes filing an insurance claim easier. If the damage is significant, always call the police.

📞7. Call for roadside assistance

Once you are safely off the road and your vehicle is secured, it is time to solve the problem. Call a trusted towing service and have the following information ready:

• Your exact location (or highway kilometer marker)
• Vehicle model
• A short description of the issue (e.g. wheels locked, car won't start, etc.)