Published on January 3rd, 2022 | by Amirul Mukminin

What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down On The Highway

Rule number one, never attempt to repair your vehicle on the emergency lane

About two weeks ago, a mother and her eight children were among 10 victims who perished in a horrific crash on the emergency lane of the ELITE highway.

The Proton Wira the family was travelling in had stopped on the emergency lane due to a dead battery before it was rear-ended by a trailer. It was reported that the trailer had also rammed into two other cars whose drivers had stopped to give assistance.

While those in the two other cars escaped with minor injuries, the mechanic who helped to jump start the Wira was killed at the scene.

Sadly, this was not the first time motorists were killed while stopping on the emergency lane and won’t be the last if we continue to disregard the guidelines for vehicle breakdown on a highway.

With the mind, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has provided some useful tips to refresh your mind on what to do and what not to do in the event of a breakdown on a highway:

First of all, try to pull up at the nearest exit. If it’s not possible to do so, stop your vehicle on the emergency lane and turn on the hazard lights.
Remember, never attempt to repair your vehicle on the emergency lane, regardless of how little the damage is or how knowledgeable you might be.
What you need to do is get everyone out of the car immediately and find a safe place to wait behind the barrier.
Next, call the highway emergency hotline and give them your location.
While waiting for the assistance to arrive, place a warning triangle or safety cones at least 45 meters from your vehicle.
You can also use a torch light to warn oncoming drivers but do this from behind the barrier.
It is also advised to wear a reflective safety vest.
In case of major repairs, inform your vehicle insurance provider for towing assistance.