Whenever you plan your journey make sure that you have enough fuel. Always check the fuel measure before you start your journey and carry an extra supply of fuel in an approved safety container. This will help to maintain your car safety and allow you to avoid the risk arise due to fuel.
One should always have the breakdown coverage. It recommends that you buy breakdown cover before you drive.
Don't stop unless you have to
A hard shoulder, or simply shoulder, is a reserved area by the verge of a road or motorway. Generally it is kept clear of motor vehicle traffic. Shoulders have multiple uses. In the event of an emergency or breakdown, a motorist can pull into the hard shoulder to get out of the flow of traffic and obtain an element of safety. You should never come out from vehicles to answer the phone, read a map, or go to the toilet. Always drive to the next services or exit. It can be very dangerous or illegal to stop at the motorway hard shoulder unless it is an emergency.
Stay safe while you are on the hard shoulder:
If a breakdown or some emergency forces you to stop then follow the highways agency's safety tips.
Contact the Highway Code:
Contact the highway agency in an emergency to sort your problems. Always make use of nearest roadside phone rather then using a mobile phone number. If you use the nearest emergency roadside phone your exact location will show on the operator's screen and it will be easier to find out. Roadside markers are spaced at 10 metre intervals on the hard shoulder.
You will always seen marker displaying an arrow pointing the direction of the nearest phone.
Turn on your hazard lights:
If possible pull off the road and park somewhere safe. If you need to get out of the car beware of traffic - use the nearside doors for safety, especially on fast roads such as motorways and dual carriageways.
Pull over to the left:
Pull over onto the hard shoulder and park near an emergency roadside phone if possible
Leave your vehicle:
Make sure you leave your vehicle immediately to the left hand door and the passengers do the same in some urgent situation.
Wait for help to arrive:
Remember to stay away from the hard shoulder and carriageway as you wait for help to arrive. Don't get back to the vehicle and don't try to repair yourself, even if you think its simple job.
If you feel at risk from another person:
If you think there is risk from another person return to your vehicle to the left hand door, tie your seatbelt and lock the entire door after sometimes leave the vehicle as soon as you feel the risk has passed.
If you can't get to a roadside phone:
If you are injured or disability and can't get to a roadside phone, then Highway code advises you to:
To stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on witch on your hazard warning lights. If you have mobile phone you should dial 999 and tell the emergency services where you are. If you can see a roadside marker or driver location sign, tell the operator what it says as this will help them find you. You can find detailed information on driver location signs by following the link below.
John involve with driving theory test practice, practical test training and hazard perception test practice. With the help of these study materials prepare and pass driving test with confidence.