About 64% of Australians with a driver’s license have been involved in some form of road emergency or accident. Reports by the Brisbane, Queensland government states that speeding, distracted driving, tailgating, drunk driving and fatigue are the main reasons for roadside accidents. Brisbane has seen a 2% increase in road fatalities from 2016 to 2020, which has an average of 2.56 million citizens. Apart from this, vehicles can experience flat tires, engine breakdowns, fuel issues and faulty batteries anytime in the middle of the road. There are reliable towing services that offer a tow truck in Brisbane along with a team who can safely get the car to the mechanic or back on the road. Knowing how to handle such situations calmly can help the drivers, passengers, and other motorists stay safe.
What to Do When the Vehicle Breaks Down?
There are certain golden rules that every driver must follow when a vehicle breaks down, anywhere in Brisbane or Australia. When one foresees a car breaking down, one must move to the far-left side of the road or the driveway. If they can move it long enough, they must find a breakdown bay to park the vehicle. Then they must proceed to switch on the parking lights and hazard lights. Those who want to wait for roadside assistance services inside the car must keep their seatbelts on irrespective of movement. They must exit from the passenger side of the car and stay at a safe distance away from the traffic.
On the Motorway
Having a car breakdown on the motorway with fast-moving cars with little to no room around to escape or stand safely can be a stressful situation. In such situations, one must stop in the emergency breakdown lane or push the car to the far left of the road, in places without an emergency stopping bay. They must wait behind the roadside barrier to avoid highway cars and trucks, along with the car keys for help from a tow truck in Brisbane.
With Kids and Pets
Having a vehicle breakdown with adult passengers is one thing. Having kids and pets in the car can cause a stressful situation with additional challenges. They might not comprehend the situation or feel anxious, scared, cry, have needs that need fulfilling, etc. In such cases, the driver and other adults must stay calm and reassure the kids and pets. They must sit beside their child, explain the situation and keep them safe if they try to remove the seatbelt or get out of the car. If the vehicle breaks down in the middle of the day and is uncomfortably hot, they must crack open a window, turn on the AC or exit the vehicle to stay in a safe place until help arrives.
What Not to Do?
When they experience an engine failure or struggle in the car, they must not continue to drive but pull over to find a safe place. If there is no safe place, they must not get out of the car. Without having a reliable understanding of the workings of a car, one must not try to fix the car by themselves. Some might find the urge to wave down passing traffic to distract the drivers or seek help from them. But unless there is a threat to life, it is in the best interest of the travellers to wait for trusted towing services to help with the issue.
One must not stop in the middle of driving lanes, and one must always try to move the car as far off the road as possible. If the car breaks down on one of the driving lanes, or secluded areas, they must not get out and wander off to find assistance.
