Personal injury
What to do in case of a vehicle emergency?
Having an emergency while driving can be scary, so it important to know what to do in the moments after. Our personal injury experts explore our recent research and share advice on what to do in cases of vehicle emergencies.
Experiencing an emergency while operating a vehicle can cause a sense of panic and confusion. In the initial moments you may not even be sure what is happening, for example if you hear a loud noise, it may take a moment to realise you have a blown tire. Knowing what to do in cases of different vehicle emergencies is vital and yet, our research revealed that only half the population (51.20%) know to exit the vehicle and move to a safe location, if possible, in the event of an emergency while travelling in a vehicle.
Specific examples of vehicle emergencies can include:
- tire blow outs
- brake failure
- steering failure
- problems with pedals (such as an accelerator being stuck)
- collisions with other vehicles
Knowing what to do in emergencies like these can limit the risk of injury, or more extreme injuries, for you and those around you.
Get to safety
The first step in any emergency is to make sure you, and those you are with, are in a safe place. If you need to exit the vehicle in a precarious situation, exit the vehicle from the opposite side of passing traffic.
You should also consider the safety of other road users. Be sure to provide an indication, such as hazard lights in a car, to help let other drivers know to exercise more caution when passing.
Stopping in safe places
While personal safety is the top priority, moving your vehicle to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic can help limit the risk of collisions. It is also very important to choose where you stop your vehicle wisely, if you are able. Stopping your vehicle in high-risk places, such as on bridges or in bends in the road, can increase the risk of a collision exponentially and yet, our research revealed that less than a third of Scottish drivers (30.72%) would avoid stopping in high-risk areas like bends or fast-moving roads.
If an issue arises on a motorway, our charity partner BRAKE recommends that if the problem requires you to stop immediately, pull onto the hard shoulder and stop as far away from the traffic as you can, with the wheels turned to the left, if possible next to an emergency phone.
Examples of safe places to stop your vehicle include:
- The hard shoulder
- A nearby layby
- Designated rest stops
When looking for a safe place to stop your vehicle, you should consider places that are highly visible, away from traffic and on flat level surfaces.
Call for help
Our research revealed that less than half of Scottish drivers (46.99%) know to call roadside assistance or breakdown services in the event of an emergency while travelling in a vehicle. When you are safe and have potentially moved your vehicle off the road, you should try to call for assistance.
To get assistance after a vehicle breakdown in Scotland, call Traffic Scotland on 0800 028 1414. Alternatively, you can call the RAC on 0333 2000 999 if you're an existing member, or 0330 159 8743 if you're not. The AA can be contacted at 03330 046 046. If the situation is dangerous or involves immediate danger, call 999, or call 101 to report something minor.
Injuries in a road accident
If you have been injured as a result of a vehicle emergency, Slater and Gordon are here to help. Our solicitors have extensive experience in supporting road traffic claims and will support you every step of the way. To learn more, call us on 0330 041 5869 or visit our website.