When your vehicle leaves you stranded on the road, the worry is immediate. The priority is to resolve the situation, and at that moment our roadside assistance professionals become your best ally. But what can you, as a driver, do to ensure your safety and that of our teams while you wait and during the assistance?
At REAC, the Network of Roadside Assistance Companies, we care not only about the effectiveness of our services but also about everyone's road safety. That is why we want to share with you some crucial tips that go beyond simply waiting for the tow truck.
1. Get Away from Danger, Safely!
As soon as you notice a breakdown or an incident, your first reaction should be to move your vehicle off the carriageway as safely as possible. If you can, head for the right-hand hard shoulder, a rest area or an exit. The further you are from the flow of traffic, the lower the risk.
- If you are on a dual carriageway or motorway: Avoid stopping in the acceleration or deceleration lane. Look for the widest hard shoulder and stop as far to the right as possible.
- If you are on a conventional road: If there is no hard shoulder, try to find a safe place where visibility is good for you and for other drivers, such as a bend with good visibility or a straight stretch.
2. Make Yourself Visible: Your Safety Depends on It
Once your vehicle has stopped safely, visibility is key, especially at night or in poor light.
- Hazard warning lights: Switch them on immediately.
- Reflective vest: Put on your reflective vest before getting out of the vehicle. In Spain, it is compulsory to carry it and wear it if you get out of the car on the carriageway or hard shoulder.
- Advance warning triangles (or V-16 light): Place them correctly. If you use triangles, place one in front of and one behind the vehicle at a minimum distance of 50 metres, so that they are visible from at least 100 metres away. If you already have the V-16 emergency light, switch it on and place it on the highest part of the vehicle, as it offers greater visibility and safety because you do not have to step out onto the carriageway.
3. Get Out of the Vehicle on the Safe Side
If circumstances allow and it is safe to do so, get out of the vehicle on the side furthest from the traffic. If you are on the right-hand hard shoulder, get out through the passenger door to avoid the risk of being hit by a passing vehicle.
Once outside, keep away from the traffic. If you are travelling with passengers, ask them to get out of the vehicle too and move to a safe place, behind the crash barrier or away from the road. Pets must also be kept safe and under control.
4. Communicate Precisely and Patiently
When you call for assistance, give the most precise location possible. This includes the road, the kilometre point, the direction of travel and any landmark that can help our teams find you quickly.
Once you have provided the information, patience is essential. Our professionals are on their way and are doing their best to arrive as soon as possible, but safety while travelling is paramount.
5. Cooperate with Our Professionals
When our team arrives, follow their instructions. They are experts in their field and are trained to act as safely and efficiently as possible. They may ask you to move your vehicle slightly, to move further away or to stay inside the vehicle if the situation requires it.
Remember that their job is not only to repair or tow your vehicle, but also to manage the safety of the work area in a situation of constant risk from traffic.
At REAC, the Network of Roadside Assistance Companies, we work every day so that the professionalism of our teams and the application of the highest safety standards guarantee your peace of mind. By following these simple tips, you actively contribute to your own safety and that of those assisting you. Because on the road, safety is everyone's business.