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Emergency Handling Breakdowns
- 1/15If you are the first person at the scene of a collision, the key action you need to take is
To protect the scene and prevent further incidents, activate your flashing hazard lights immediately. You should then deploy approved warning devices like reflective triangles to alert oncoming traffic.
You are required to report a collision to the police or local law enforcement if
You are legally required to report a collision to the police if anyone is injured or killed. This also applies if the total property damage from the collision is estimated to exceed $2,000.
If you damage any traffic control device, parking meter, or other public property
Any damage you cause to public property, such as a traffic control device or a parking meter, must be reported to the police immediately. This rule applies regardless of the cost of the damage incurred.
If you damage an unattended vehicle and cannot locate the owner, you must
If you damage an unattended vehicle and cannot find the owner, you are legally obligated to leave your information. Attach a note with your name, address, licence number, vehicle plate number, and phone number to the vehicle.
If your car breaks down on a busy highway
Get your vehicle out of the path of moving traffic. If it is safe to do so, steer towards the shoulder or emergency lane to significantly reduce the risk of being struck by other drivers.
After safely pulling over to the side of the road due to a breakdown
Hazard lights alert others that your car is stationary or experiencing trouble. Turning them on as soon as you stop helps approaching drivers see you sooner and gives them ample time to adjust their driving and safely pass your vehicle.
If your car breaks down on a highway and you cannot move it off the road
Staying in your vehicle keeps you protected from high-speed traffic unless the immediate location is clearly unsafe. In such dangerous cases, it is critical to move to a safer position, such as behind a guardrail, and wait there for help.
To make your broken-down vehicle more visible, especially at night or in bad weather
Placing flares or warning triangles behind your vehicle makes it easier for others to notice you from a distance. This increased visibility helps prevent rear-end collisions, particularly in low light or adverse weather conditions.
In case of a vehicle breakdown, the first warning device should be placed
Placing your first warning triangle about 30 meters behind your car provides other drivers with sufficient advance notice to slow down. This spacing gives them enough time to safely respond to your presence on the road.
To show you need help after a breakdown
Raising your hood and attaching a white cloth to your car is a widely recognized signal that you need assistance. It is a simple, low-tech way to effectively get attention from passing drivers or patrol vehicles.
To make yourself highly visible to other drivers, at day or night, or during breakdown
It is especially useful in low light conditions or during bad weather, significantly reducing your chances of being accidentally hit while outside your vehicle.
After a breakdown, if you need to exit your vehicle on the side of a busy road
Always step out of your vehicle on the side furthest from moving traffic to minimize the risk of being struck. This is one of the simplest yet most important steps for protecting yourself.
If your car breaks down on a hill and you have safely pulled over, the next thing to do is
By turning your wheels towards the curb or shoulder, you prevent the car from rolling into traffic if the brakes were to fail. It is a small but crucial action that can make a big difference in preventing an unintended movement.
If your vehicle breaks down and you have to wait for help
It also prevents further mechanical damage from prolonged running and minimizes the risk of carbon monoxide exposure if you are sitting in the car.
You should never attempt to fix your car on the side of a busy highway if
Even if the issue seems minor, working near high-speed traffic puts your life at extreme risk. You should wait for professional help unless you are in a location where it is completely safe to exit your vehicle and attempt a repair.