What to do if your car breaks down

Sometimes, no matter what precautions you take, your car breaks down. That's why we're here, and this is what you need to do.

If you can still move your car, try to get it to a safe, well-lit place out of the way of other traffic
Switch on your hazard lights and lift the bonnet to show that you've broken down
Call for assistance from your mobile or a nearby pay phone. If you still can't get help then call the police

try and stop near an emergency telephone; there's one every mile along the hard shoulder and they're linked directly to the police
pull over as far to the left of the hard shoulder as you can
switch on your hazard lights and if it's dark or the light is bad, keep your side lights on
leave your car by the passenger door and wait well away from the carriageway. Keep a clear view of the oncoming traffic and don't stand in front of your car
call for assistance
if you have to stay in the car then wait in the passenger seat so other drivers will assume the driver has gone to a telephone

give as many details as you can, like your location and your car's make, registration and colour
try to describe what the fault is
explain if you're stuck in a remote area or feel like you're in danger
don't open the door to strangers. If someone stops to offer help, talk with them through closed windows. Only open the door to someone you know and trust, or who has shown you ID