A vehicle breakdown on a highway can be stressful and dangerous. Highways in Pakistan often have fast moving traffic, heavy vehicles, and limited safe stopping areas. When a car suddenly stops working, drivers may panic and make unsafe decisions. Knowing how to respond properly during a highway breakdown can protect you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.
Understanding the right safety steps helps you stay in control of the situation until professional help arrives.
Why Highway Breakdowns Are Dangerous
Highways are designed for continuous movement at higher speeds. Vehicles on motorways and highways usually travel between 80 and 120 kilometers per hour. When a car suddenly stops, it becomes a hazard for other drivers.
Several risks increase during a highway breakdown.
- Fast approaching vehicles may not see the stopped car early enough.
- Heavy trucks require longer stopping distances.
- Nighttime visibility may be limited.
- Drivers behind you may change lanes suddenly.
Because of these risks, your first priority should always be safety.
Move the Vehicle to a Safe Area
If your vehicle starts showing signs of trouble, such as engine failure, overheating, or strange noises, try to move it off the main road.
Slowly steer the car toward the shoulder of the road or the emergency stopping lane if available. Highways such as the Motorway network in Pakistan provide designated emergency lanes for stopped vehicles.
If the vehicle can still move even slowly, try to reach:
The roadside shoulder
A service area
A toll plaza
A fuel station nearby
Stopping in the middle of the highway should always be avoided unless the vehicle cannot move at all.
Turn On Hazard Lights Immediately
Hazard lights are the first warning signal for other drivers. As soon as your vehicle begins to slow down due to a problem, turn on the hazard lights.
Hazard lights signal that the vehicle is experiencing trouble and may stop unexpectedly. Drivers approaching from behind will notice the warning and adjust their speed or lane position.
Leaving hazard lights on during the entire breakdown situation improves visibility and reduces accident risk.
Use a Reflective Warning Triangle
A reflective warning triangle is one of the most important safety tools during a highway breakdown. This simple device alerts drivers that a stopped vehicle is ahead.
Place the warning triangle behind your car so approaching drivers can see it early.
On highways, the recommended placement is around 30 to 50 meters behind the vehicle. This distance gives drivers enough time to slow down or change lanes.
If the road has a curve or hill behind you, place the triangle even farther back to improve visibility.
Drivers who frequently travel long distances should always keep a reflective triangle in their vehicle.
Move Passengers to a Safe Location
Passengers should never remain inside a stopped vehicle on a busy highway for long periods. Another vehicle could lose control and collide with the stopped car.
Ask all passengers to exit the vehicle carefully from the side away from traffic. After exiting, move everyone to a safe distance from the road.
Good safe locations include:
Behind roadside barriers
On elevated ground away from traffic
Farther away from the highway shoulder
Children should remain close to adults and should not wander near traffic lanes.
Keep Distance From Moving Traffic
Many drivers make the mistake of standing near the vehicle while waiting for help. This can be extremely dangerous.
Passing vehicles, especially trucks and buses, create strong air pressure. A small mistake from another driver could cause a serious accident.
Always keep a safe distance from the road while waiting for assistance.
If possible, stand behind a guardrail or barrier. If there is no barrier, move farther away from the road shoulder.
Call for Professional Roadside Assistance
Once everyone is safe, the next step is to contact professional roadside assistance or towing services.
Provide clear and accurate details so the recovery team can locate you quickly.
Important details include:
Your current highway name or motorway number
Nearest exit or toll plaza
Nearby signboards or kilometer markers
Vehicle type and condition
Using your phone’s location sharing feature can also help the recovery team find you faster.
Professional recovery services have the right equipment to safely tow or transport your vehicle.
Avoid Accepting Help From Unknown Individuals
Sometimes other drivers may stop and offer help during a breakdown. While many people have good intentions, it is safer to rely on professional assistance.
Accepting help from unknown individuals can create risks including:
Improper vehicle handling
Unsafe towing methods
Personal security concerns
Professional towing companies use proper equipment and trained operators. This reduces the risk of damage or injury.
Stay Visible at Night
Nighttime breakdowns require extra safety precautions. Visibility becomes limited and other drivers may not notice a stopped vehicle quickly.
To improve visibility during nighttime breakdowns:
Keep hazard lights on at all times.
Turn on interior lights if necessary.
Use reflective warning triangles.
Wear reflective jackets if available.
Flashlights or mobile phone lights can also help you remain visible while moving around the vehicle.
Keeping visibility high greatly reduces the chance of accidents.
Avoid Attempting Major Repairs on the Road
Some drivers attempt to fix complex mechanical problems on the roadside. This can be dangerous, especially on highways with fast moving traffic.
Minor issues such as changing a tyre may be manageable if you have proper tools and safe conditions.
However, complex problems such as engine failure, transmission issues, or electrical faults should be handled by professionals.
Attempting repairs in unsafe conditions may lead to injury or further vehicle damage.
Wait Patiently for Assistance
Breakdowns can be frustrating, especially when you are traveling long distances. However patience is important during these situations.
Remain calm while waiting for the recovery team. Continue monitoring traffic conditions and ensure passengers remain in safe areas.
Avoid standing close to the road or walking along busy traffic lanes.
Professional towing teams usually reach highway breakdown locations as quickly as possible once they receive accurate location details.
Keep Emergency Supplies in Your Vehicle
Every driver should keep a small emergency kit inside the car. These tools help manage unexpected breakdowns.
Useful emergency items include:
Reflective warning triangle
Flashlight or portable torch
Phone charger or power bank
Basic first aid kit
Portable tyre inflator
Jumper cables
These items can make a significant difference during emergency situations.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before Long Trips
Many highway breakdowns occur because of poor vehicle maintenance. Taking a few precautions before starting a long journey can prevent many problems.
Important checks before long drives include:
Checking engine oil levels
Inspecting tyre pressure and condition
Testing the battery health
Checking coolant levels
Ensuring brakes are functioning properly
Regular maintenance reduces the chances of sudden breakdowns and improves overall driving safety.
Understanding Motorway Emergency Services
Pakistan’s motorway network provides dedicated emergency services. Motorway police patrol highways and often assist drivers facing breakdowns or accidents.
If you experience a breakdown on a motorway, you may contact motorway helplines or inform nearby motorway police patrols.
They can help manage traffic around your vehicle until professional recovery services arrive.
Final Thoughts
Highway breakdowns can happen to any driver, even with well maintained vehicles. The key to staying safe is knowing how to react quickly and calmly.
Moving the vehicle to a safe location, warning other drivers, protecting passengers, and contacting professional assistance are the most important steps.
Prepared drivers who carry emergency equipment and maintain their vehicles regularly handle breakdown situations with far less stress.
Following these highway safety practices helps reduce risks and keeps both drivers and passengers safe on the road.
