What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on the highway?

When a vehicle breaks down on the highway, the safest and most effective action is to move the car to the shoulder and turn on the hazard lights. This ensures that the vehicle is out of the flow of traffic, reducing the risk of an accident. The shoulder of the highway is typically a safe area where other drivers can see your vehicle and the potential hazards it presents. By activating the hazard lights, you signal to other drivers that your vehicle is not in operation and that they should proceed with caution.

Staying in the vehicle can be dangerous if the vehicle is on the road. Attempting to fix the vehicle, especially on a busy highway, can put you at risk from passing vehicles. Walking to a nearby gas station may also be risky, particularly if it involves crossing lanes of highway traffic. Moving the vehicle to safety and utilizing the hazard lights is the best practice for ensuring both your safety and that of other road users.