Breaking down on the highway or even a major main road is a real inconvenience, and it's happened to many of us. It's best to be prepared for an event like this despite the fact that many modern cards are quite reliable when maintained accordingly and even have measures to limp you to safety in the event of a breakdown. Not only this, but highways and main roads have gotten smarter, and emergency services have improved, too.
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In South Africa, there are a few things to be weary about if you break down on the highway, but with a few tips to keep in mind, you'll keep yourself and your passengers, too.
Broke down and don't know what to do?
The first and most crucial step in the event of a breakdown on the highway is to remain calm and be aware of your surroundings. Remember that the vehicle is still in motion and at speed, so you must react accordingly to avoid an accident. A car doesn't suddenly become stationary but breaking down a process. It starts with warning signs be it visual, audibly, the vehicle throwing error lights on its dashboard or you'll feel that something is off like a flat tyre. In some instances, the vehicle will then feel a loss of power and will want to switch off. Depending on the cause of the breakdown, some cars will use a drivetrain protection program built into the car's computer to put the car in a 'limp mode' so you can essentially limp the car to safety.
In any case, the best thing to do in a situation like this is to either leave the highway at the next exit if you are near one or make your way safely to the emergency lane marked by a yellow line. To do this safely, put on your hazard lights, check your mirrors, watch the traffic and switch lanes when it's safe to do so. If the part of the highway you're on doesn't have an emergency lane, you can go on the highway shoulder. Whether you're in the emergency lane or on a highway shoulder, only get out of the car if it's safe to do so. Once you're in the emergency lane/shoulder and the car is parked, switched off and the hazard lights on, it's time to take out your car's warning triangle. If your car doesn't have a warning triangle, you can buy one at almost every automotive parts shop. The warning triangle must be placed no less than 45 meters from your car. In the case of a flat tyre, only change it when you're on the side of the road safely, and you should not change the tyre on the side facing oncoming traffic as it's dangerous to do so. If you're disabled, it's better to call roadside assistance rather than attempting to do anything.
How do I rejoin the highway?
If you've managed to sort your car out and need to rejoin the highway, retrieve your warning triangle when it's safe to do so and then return to your car. It's best to keep your hazard lights on, then start gradually building up speed enough to merge in with the traffic's speed, turn your hazard lights off, and drive as normal. Monitor your car to be sure that the problem doesn't repeat.
What if I can't get my car back on the road?
If you're in a situation where you cannot do much, it's best to call roadside assistance. If you have insurance, then it's best to call them as well to organise roadside assistance for you. Most insurers have a smartphone app where you can request roadside assistance. It's also good to notify a relative or friend of your situation so they know where you are and can come assist you if need be. In the interest of safety, it's best to stay in your car while waiting for assistance. It's best not to leave your car unattended; keep your windows closed and valuables out of sight.
If you're stuck on a highway far away from a town, on South African highways, you'll find small signs with coordinate points that pinpoint where you are on the highway. This will greatly assist you when you call for help.
