Three out of four drivers (78%) would unknowingly put themselves in danger after breaking down on the motorway and stopping on the hard shoulder, new RAC research reveals. 

Just one-in-five (22%) of the 1,900 drivers surveyed would do the right thing by standing to the rear of their vehicle and as far as possible from traffic, ideally behind a barrier if there was one.

More worrying perhaps were the one-in-10 (11%) who said they would stay in their vehicle, leaving them at great risk of being seriously injured or killed if another vehicle were to hit them.  

Two-thirds (65%) would also unwittingly put themselves at risk by standing either in front of or next to their car, where they could be hit in the event of another driver colliding with their broken-down vehicle. 

Reports from almost 200 RAC patrols appear to back this up, with 78% of drivers they have attended, who had broken down on motorways, still in their vehicles when they arrived.  

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “In cold wet weather, it’s very tempting for anyone who breaks down on a motorway to stay in their cars.

“Sadly, we know from experience this is absolutely the wrong thing to do unless for some reason you aren’t able to get out of the vehicle.

“This is why we are always reminding people to pack plenty of layers, good waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear so they can keep warm while they wait for help.  

“The more understanding everyone has of what to do should they break down on a high-speed road, the better.”

In an effort to keep drivers safe after breaking down on a motorway, RAC patrols Glen Johnson and James Pallister came up with the idea of making a video highlighting exactly how people should get out of their vehicles and where they should stand.

Johnson, who has been an RAC patrol since 2018 and works around the north-west of England, said: “Standing in the wrong place in the event of a breakdown on a high-speed road can be the difference between staying safe and being seriously injured, or worse.  

“Our number-one priority is ensuring our members stay safe on the roads, so we’re always looking for new ways to communicate the right thing to do after breaking down.

“That’s why we thought a video would be the best way to show drivers what to do while they wait for help if they’re unlucky enough to break down on one of our fastest roads.”  

Pallister, who has been an RAC patrol since 2015 and works around the north-east of England, said: “Our advice to drivers and their passengers is to use the doors furthest from the traffic to leave their vehicle, stand to the rear of their vehicle, facing and as far away from oncoming traffic as possible, behind a barrier if there is one.

“The only exception to this is if someone has mobility difficulties and can’t easily leave the vehicle – in which case they should keep their seatbelt on and call 999.”  

What to do if you break down on a motorway 

• Pull over on the hard shoulder if there is one  
• Turn on your hazard lights and sidelights 
• Turn on rear fog lights too if the visibility is poor and you can’t see over 100 metres  
• Get out of your vehicle if it’s safe using the doors furthest from traffic. Wear bright or high vis clothes if you have any 
• If there’s a safety barrier, wait behind it to the rear of your vehicle. Watch out for potholes and steep drops  
• If there’s no safety barrier, stand to the rear of your vehicle far away from traffic  
• Keep your eyes on the traffic at all times  
• Keep calm and stay where you are until the patrol arrives 

If the driver or passengers have a disability 

• Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on  
• If possible, move everybody to the passenger side of the vehicle  
• Call 999 to make them aware  
• Keep calm and stay where you are until the patrol arrives