Broken down on the highway: what to do and who to contact

A sudden breakdown on the highway can generate stress and apprehension. Knowing the correct procedures is essential for your safety and that of other road users.
Here is a vademecum with the correct behaviors to follow from the moment you notice that your car is no longer responding properly to the controls.

Safety first:

• Keep calm and do not panic.
• Pull your vehicle over, if possible in a lay-by, Service Area or Parking Area, or, ultimately, in the emergency lane, as far to the right as possible, trying to avoid spots with curves or reduced visibility.
• It immediately activates the four emergency arrows.
• Wear the reflective vest before getting out of the vehicle.
• Place the warning triangle 100 meters from the vehicle to alert other motorists.
• Secure yourself behind the guardrail if possible.

Distress call:

• Use your cell phone or SOS columns to contact roadside assistance.
• Provide accurate information:
  • Exact location (highway km, direction, landmarks).
  • Type of failure.
  • Car model and license plate.
  • Phone number.

Costs of mechanical rescue:

• Time and cost of highway mechanical rescue can vary significantly depending on the type of vehicle, type of operation, and distance to be traveled.
• Generally, the amount is composed of a basic fee, which depends on the type of vehicle or whether the intervention takes place during daytime, nighttime or holidays, and additional costs for the kilometers traveled beyond reaching the workshop from which the emergency vehicle intervened.
• Check the terms of your insurance policy, which may include free or reduced-rate roadside assistance, consistent with authorized Mechanical Rescue Organizations on our highway responsibilities
• Inform yourself well about the costs at the time of applying for relief.

The Highway Code has specific obligations when a vehicle is stopped on the highway, such as wearing a triangle and reflective vest.

Useful tips to avoid surprises:

• Perform periodic vehicle inspections at licensed professionals.
• Check tire pressure and spare tire condition.
• Always carry your reflective vest and triangle with you.

Your safety is critical for you, those around you, and other users.

For more details and information, visit the Mechanical Rescue page on our website.

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