Are you prepared if you break down?

Breaking down on other roads
General motorway rules apply here too, with a few slight differences:
Avoid stopping in a dangerous place (on a roundabout, corner or the brow of a hill), and drive on to a well-lit area. If that's not an option, pull off the road and switch your hazard lights on. When it's dark, use your sidelights as well.

If there's any danger of your car being hit by passing traffic, get the passengers out of the vehicle and stand well back. As with motorways, take the appropriate clothing and bottled water if it's hot - you may be there a while. If the vehicle is off the road, it might be safer and warmer to stay inside.

Use your mobile to ring for breakdown assistance. Look for nearby road signs and use a map to pinpoint your location.

Stand a warning triangle at least 45m behind your car. It'll help the breakdown services see you and warn other drivers you're there.

Only attempt to fix the car if you think it's safe to do so.

The essential car breakdown kit

• Mobile phone ? make sure it's charged!
• Breakdown cover membership card
• Map
• Money - you may need it for a payphone
• Torch and spare batteries
• Empty petrol can - if you run out of fuel, this can be filled at the nearest garage
• Warning triangle
• Warm clothes, blanket and umbrella
• Reflective jacket or vest
• Bottled water