What should you do if your car breaks down on the highway?

List of Immediate Steps to Take Inside the Vehicle

• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle has come to a stop.
• If the condition of your vehicle allows it, pull over to a rest area or park on the shoulder.
• Put on your high-visibility vest before exiting the vehicle, and have passengers exit only on the right side of the vehicle.
• Contact emergency services or roadside assistance, providing the exact location of the vehicle, the direction of traffic, and the nature of the problem.

How do you pull over to the shoulder?

When traffic conditions permit, the driver should pull over to the shoulder by gradually reducing speed and turning on the hazard lights. The vehicle must be positioned as close as possible to the guardrail, without encroaching on the roadway, then brought to a stop with the wheels straight and the engine turned off. Passengers should exit on the side opposite the traffic and immediately take cover behind the guardrail, without setting up a warning triangle or walking on the highway.

What numbers should you call in case of a breakdown on the highway?

In the event of a breakdown or immediate danger, dial 112 to reach emergency services from a cell phone, while 17 connects you to the gendarmerie. From an emergency call box, the report is sent directly to the highway operator, who arranges for an authorized tow truck to respond. Useful information to provide includes your location, the direction of traffic, the highway number, and the nature of the breakdown.

How do you use an emergency call box or the SOS Autoroute app?

From the protected area behind the guardrail, the emergency call box allows you to quickly report a breakdown to the highway operator: simply press the designated button and describe the situation. The SOS Autoroute app offers an alternative via a compatible smartphone, transmitting your GPS location and vehicle information. In both cases, you should remain in a safe place until the authorized roadside assistance provider arrives.

What information should you provide to facilitate the response?

To speed up the arrival of the tow truck, it is important to specify the highway number, the direction of travel, the kilometer marker or the nearest milestone, as well as the make, model, and color of the vehicle. The number of passengers and any potential hazards should also be reported. This information allows the relevant services to organize an appropriate response.

Who can provide assistance, and how quickly?

On highways, only a roadside assistance provider authorized by the highway operator may provide assistance, even for a simple tire change or battery recharge. Highway roadside assistance companies are available 24 hours a day. After a call is made, assistance is generally arranged within a regulated timeframe, often less than 30 minutes, depending on location, traffic, and weather conditions. If the vehicle cannot be repaired on-site, it will be towed to a suitable repair shop.

What are the rates, and what is covered by insurance or roadside assistance?

Highway breakdown service rates are regulated and vary depending on the time of day, the type of service, and the vehicle’s weight. Auto insurance or a roadside assistance plan may cover all or part of the costs, depending on the coverage purchased, the deductible, and the coverage limits. It is recommended that you keep the invoice and contact your insurer before any additional services are performed to find out the reimbursement terms.