Dealing with a breakdown

Your car can always break down, even if it’s in good condition. If it does, you need to keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safe.

Where should you practise this?

Try this on a quiet street with not much traffic.

If your car breaks down

• Don’t stop suddenly. Indicate and steer your car as far to the left of the road as you can.
• Choose a safe spot to stop. Look for a straight piece of road rather than a corner. If possible, pull completely off the road.
• Turn on your hazard lights and, if it’s night-time, turn on the car’s inside light.
• Lift up the bonnet and boot.
• Call for help. This could be whānau, friends, the AA, *555, your local garage or tow truck operator.
• Stay with your car until help arrives. If you’re on a motorway, don’t walk along the motorway. Once you’ve lifted the bonnet and boot, just wait in your car if it’s safe to do so.

The most important thing here is to make sure your car doesn’t become a hazard to other road users. You should also focus on keeping yourself and your passengers safe.