Breaking down: stopping safely and calling for help

Breaking down on a busy highway is frightening, and the greatest danger is often other traffic, not the car. Knowing the steps in advance lets you act calmly.

Get off the road

• Abu Dhabi Police advise steering away from traffic and using designated emergency areas if available (Gulf News, April 2024).
• If the car cannot be moved further, stay on the right-hand shoulder; Abu Dhabi Police say to use the right side of the road only when absolutely necessary (Gulf Today, November 2024).
• Switch on your hazard lights immediately to warn other drivers.
• If you feel the car losing power, signal and move over early while you still have speed, rather than stopping in a live lane.

Get yourself safe

• Abu Dhabi Police say people should avoid staying inside or near the broken-down vehicle on the road.
• Get everyone out on the side away from traffic. The UK Highway Code says not to stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.
• Wait well away from the car and the traffic, behind a barrier if there is one. In summer, take water and a phone; heat is a real risk while you wait.
• Put on a reflective vest if you have one, especially at night.

Warn other drivers

• Abu Dhabi Police recommend placing a reflective warning triangle behind the vehicle at an adequate distance.
• In the UK, the Highway Code says to place a triangle at least 45 metres behind the car on ordinary roads, but never on a motorway.
• Only place a triangle if you can do it without walking into danger. Your life is worth more than the triangle.
• Keep the triangle somewhere easy to reach, not under a full boot of shopping.

Call for help

• Abu Dhabi Police advise calling 999 for assistance when a vehicle breaks down on the road.
• Know the UAE emergency numbers from u.ae: 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 Civil Defence (fire).
• Use your map app to share your exact location, or note the road name, direction of travel and the nearest exit or landmark.
• Many car insurance policies and car dealers include roadside recovery. Find out before you need it and save the number in your phone.
• Abroad: the UK Highway Code says on a motorway, if you cannot get out safely, stay in the car with your seat belt on and hazard lights on, and call 999.

What to say on the phone

• "My car has broken down. I am on [road name], heading towards [direction], near [exit or landmark]."
• "The car is on the hard shoulder with hazard lights on. Nobody is injured." (Or say clearly if anyone is hurt or unwell from the heat.)
• "The car is a [colour, make, plate number]."
• Stay on the line until they confirm they have your location, and keep your phone charged.