As a driver-trained occupational therapist, most of my work focuses on helping people learn to drive or return to driving safely after injury, illness, or disability. Recently, I found myself in an unexpected position — not as the professional giving guidance, but as the driver in need of it.
I was on my way to a client appointment when my car began to lose power on a busy road. In those moments, it’s easy to feel flustered or panicked, but the key is to respond calmly and follow safe procedures.
- Stay Calm and Focus on Safety First
Your primary goal in a breakdown is to protect yourself and others. Panicking can lead to rushed decisions that put you at greater risk. Take a deep breath and focus on the immediate steps you need to take.
- Move Your Vehicle Out of Traffic
If the car is still able to move, carefully steer it to the left-hand side of the road or the nearest safe shoulder. Avoid stopping around bends, at intersections, or in other locations with poor visibility.
- Use your indicators early to signal your intentions.
- If the car loses power suddenly and can’t be moved far, keep your hazard lights on and remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until it’s safe to exit.
- Switch On Hazard Lights and Make Yourself Visible
Your hazard lights let other drivers know something is wrong and to approach with caution. If you can safely get out, place your reflective warning triangle at least 50–100 metres behind your vehicle (if available) to increase visibility — especially important in low light, poor weather, or high-speed zones.
- Decide Whether to Stay in the Vehicle or Exit
The safest place in a breakdown often depends on your location:
- On a quiet street: It may be safe to step out and wait on the footpath or well away from the road.
- On a busy road, highway, or motorway: Remain in the vehicle with your seatbelt on unless there’s an immediate danger (like smoke, fire, or fuel leak). Exiting in high-speed traffic is extremely risky.
- Call for Assistance
Contact roadside assistance, a tow truck, or a trusted contact who can help. If you are in a dangerous position (e.g., broken down in a lane with no shoulder), call emergency services (000) and explain your location clearly.
- Plan for Personal Safety While Waiting
- Keep your doors locked if you remain inside.
- Be mindful of strangers who approach; you can communicate through a closed window if you feel unsafe.
- In hot weather, consider sun protection, water, and ventilation — but avoid standing close to moving traffic.
- Learn from the Experience
After my breakdown, I reviewed my roadside kit. I realised I was missing a high-visibility vest and a warning triangle — items I now recommend to all my learner drivers. It’s also a great reminder to keep your mobile phone charged, know how to use your emergency brake, and regularly service your vehicle.
Here’s what I did — and what I recommend for anyone, whether you’re a brand-new driver or have decades of experience behind the wheel.
Final Thoughts
A breakdown can happen to anyone — even the most prepared driver. The key is knowing what to do before it happens. As a driver-trained OT, I encourage all my clients to practise these “what if” scenarios during lessons, because safe driving isn’t just about when the car is moving — it’s also about how we respond when it stops unexpectedly.
Stay safe out there, and remember: being calm, visible, and cautious can make all the difference in a roadside emergency.
