Van Driver Toolkit – Motorway Breakdowns
Did you know?
- More than four million journeys are made on the strategic road network each day. On average, Highways England record around 196,000 breakdowns per year (536 each day).
- The most common breakdowns are related to tyres, overheating, electrical problems and running out of fuel.
- Put your LEFT indicators on.
- Move into the LEFT lane.
- Exit LEFT at the next junction/services, or
- Exit left into an emergency area or hardshoulder.
- Put your hazard lights on.
- Get behind a safety barrier and keep well away from moving traffic.
- Call Highways England on 0300 123 5000 then a breakdown provider for help.
- Tyre tread – check the legal minimum tread depth for your vehicle as it can affect your grip, braking distance and steering
- Tyre pressure – check your tyre pressure as under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can affect your braking distance, steering, fuel efficiency and the lifetime of your tyres
- Lights – check lights are working as they are not only essential for you, they are also essential for other drivers to understand how you intend to manoeuvre
- Fuel – check you have sufficient fuel for your journey
- Oil – maintaining the correct oil level is essential as the oil lubricates, cleans, cools and protects the moving parts of your engine, preventing your engine from seizing up and breaking down
- Screen wash – to ensure you have good visibility, always keep your screen wash topped up so you can clear any debris off your windscreen.
Provider: Driving for Better Business, National Highways
Resource Type: Web link