Car Broken Down on a Busy London Road? Don't Panic—Here's What to Do
A breakdown is always stressful, but when it happens on one of London's bustling roads, that stress can multiply. Your safety and the safety of others is the number one priority. If you find your vehicle failing, follow these crucial steps immediately.
1. Signal and Move to Safety (If Possible)
As soon as you realise something is wrong, put your hazard lights on. This is a universal signal for distress. If you have enough momentum, try to coast to the leftmost lane or, ideally, onto the hard shoulder or a side road. Avoid stopping in live traffic lanes unless absolutely necessary.
2. Make Yourself Visible
Once stopped, keep your hazard lights flashing. If it is dark or visibility is poor, turn on your sidelights. If you have a high-vis jacket, put it on immediately, especially if you plan to exit the vehicle.
3. Exit the Vehicle Safely
If you have stopped on a motorway or a busy dual carriageway like the A40, it is nearly always safer to exit your vehicle via the passenger-side door (away from the traffic). Move to a safe location, preferably behind a safety barrier, and stand well away from your vehicle and moving traffic. Never stand directly in front of or behind your car.
4. Do Not Attempt Roadside Repairs
On a busy road, attempting even a simple repair like changing a tyre is incredibly dangerous. The risk from passing traffic is too high. Leave the repairs to the professionals in a safe environment.
5. Call for Advance Vehicle Recovery for Help
This is where we come in. Call us immediately. We operate 24/7 and 365 days a year.
When you call, be ready to provide:
- Your precise location (junction numbers, road names, or landmarks are very helpful).
- Your vehicle's make, model, and colour.
- The nature of the problem, if you know it.
- Your name and contact number.
Advance Vehicle Recovery is available 24/7 to help drivers across West London. Our team is trained to handle recoveries in high-traffic situations safely and efficiently. Save our number in your phone today, so trusted help is just one call away:
+44 (0)20 7183 8411
