Empire Fleet Solutions

Breaking down in your vehicle can create a very worrying, stressful, and dangerous situation for you as driver; even more so if you happen to break down on South African roads.  Each year, hundreds of people suffer serious injuries or even lose their lives while working or stopped at roadside due to car breakdown. This is why it is so crucial for all drivers and passengers to know what to do in the event of a car breakdown.  Passing vehicles on the highway is not the only concern when your car breaks down; crime is also a big factor.  Although the latest government figures suggest that crime levels have fallen, fear of crime remains high – especially when offences such as car-jacking receive such high-profile media attention.  It is thus not surprising that women, in particular, feel vulnerable if their car breaks down, especially when driving alone at night.  Practical steps have to be taken in order to get peace of mind regarding a car breakdown. 

General Car Breakdown Procedures

- Before your car breaks down:  

• Reduce the risk of having a car breakdown in the first place by servicing your car on a regular basis;
• Ensure that your car breakdown cover is up to date;
• Keep the emergency number close by – this will give you more confidence when you are out on the road;
• Before undertaking your trip, always check your vehicle’s petrol, oil, water, and tyres;
• Take a map with you so that you do not get lost and subsequently have to stop and ask directions;
• Always let family and friends know when you are leaving and when you will return; and
• As a sensible precaution, at all times keep your doors locked and your windows wound up, especially at traffic lights and junctions.

- After your car broke down:   

• Pull as far off the road as possible;
• Immediately put your hazard warning lights on;
• Display your emergency triangle at least 50 metres behind your vehicle;
• Give your car breakdown agency a call and let them know if you are traveling alone or with children.  Women and children usually get priority;
• If your car breaks down on the highway, be extremely careful, as you might get hit by another vehicle;
• Lock your vehicle, except for the front passenger door; this will enable you to get back in quickly if necessary; and
• Never get into a vehicle with a stranger; thus, avoid hitchhiking.