IAM Drive & Survive offers a helping hand at the roadside

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01 September 2011              

This week IAM Drive & Survive’s head of training Simon Elstow gives motorists advice on what to do if your car breaks down.

·          Plan ahead: keep a reflective jacket, warm waterproof clothes and a torch in your car, and store the phone number of your breakdown company and your membership number in your phone. Some breakdown services offer free mobile phone apps, often even if you are not a member. These use the phone’s GPS system to identify your precise location.

·          At the first sign of trouble, switch on your hazard lights, slow down and stop the car at a safe place, off the main carriageway. If this is not possible, stop as far to the left as you can so that approaching traffic can see you clearly.

·          On a motorway always try to call your breakdown provider from an emergency telephone – this makes it easier for them to locate you. If you use your mobile, you may be asked to give the number on the nearest marker post, which are located every 100 meters.

·          If you have a high-visibility jacket, put it on and get passengers out of the vehicle on the near side, making sure everyone is standing well away from moving traffic. If there is a safety barrier, wait behind it.

·          If you have an emergency triangle place it about 50 paces behind your vehicle (except on a motorway).

·          Do not carry out any repairs unless the car is parked well away from moving traffic and never attempt a repair on the hard shoulder of a motorway.

·          Be safe and be patient while you wait for help to arrive.

 

Elstow said: “Having a well-maintained car is the easiest way to avoid breaking down. Check your tyres, lights and oil regularly. If you hear strange noises or feel something is not quite right with the car, get it looked at – don’t wait for it to go wrong.”

 

 

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Notes to editors:

 

  1. IAM Drive & Survive is a commercial subsidiary of the IAM and promotes occupational driver skills and safety for vehicle fleets businesses. IAM Drive & Survive helps employers achieve their duty of care to employees and reduce road accidents while driving on business. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.  The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.  Our policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

 

Note to the editor:

1.     For information about IAM Drive & Survive phone 0870 120 2910 or visit http://www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk

 

Media contacts:

IAM Drive and Survive Press Office – 020 8996 9777

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iam.org.uk

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