Disabled drivers. If you have a disability that prevents you from following the above advice in Rules 277 and 278, you should
switch on your hazard warning lights
stay in your vehicle and keep your seat belt on
call 999 immediately and ask for the police. Alternatively, press your SOS button if your vehicle has one and ask for the police.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, it is recommended that you register for the 999 text service (emergencySMS.net) before making a journey.
a hard shoulder, build up speed, indicate and watch for a safe gap in the traffic. Be aware that vehicles, obstructions or debris may be present on the hard shoulder
an emergency area, you MUST use the emergency telephone provided and follow the operator’s advice for exiting the emergency area. A lane may need to be closed so that you can rejoin the carriageway safely.
If your vehicle develops a problem, leave the carriageway at the next exit or pull into a service area if possible (see Rule 275 for places of relative safety). If you cannot, you should
Go left
move into the left lane
pull into an emergency area or onto a hard shoulder if you can
stop as far to the left as possible, leaving space to exit your vehicle and with your wheels turned to the left
if you can, stop just beyond an emergency telephone
switch your hazard warning lights on
if it’s dark or visibility is poor, use sidelights.
Get safe
exit your vehicle by the side furthest from traffic, if it is safe and possible to do so, and ensure passengers do the same
If you can’t
get your vehicle to the left lane or a place of relative safety (see Rule 275), and
exit your vehicle safely to get well away from it and moving traffic,
you should
stay in your vehicle
keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on
call 999 immediately and ask for the police. Alternatively, press your SOS button if your vehicle has one and ask for the police.
put on high-visibility clothing if you have it and it is within easy reach
get behind a safety barrier where there is one, but be aware of any unseen hazards such as sudden drops, uneven ground or debris
DO NOT stand in a place where your vehicle could be forced into you if moving traffic collides with it
DO NOT return to your vehicle even if it’s raining, cold or dark
remain alert and aware of vehicles or debris coming towards you
keep passengers away from the carriageway and children under control
DO NOT attempt repairs on your vehicle
DO NOT place a warning triangle on the carriageway
animals MUST be kept in the vehicle or, in an emergency, under control on the verge.
Rule 277: Keep well away from your vehicle and moving trafficRule 277: Keep well away from your vehicle and moving traffic
Get help
use the free emergency telephone to obtain advice and assistance
contact a breakdown recovery service
always face the traffic when you speak to remain aware of vehicles or debris coming towards you
inform them if you are a vulnerable motorist such as disabled, older or travelling alone
wait well away from your vehicle and moving traffic, behind the safety barrier where there is one
if you are unable to exit your vehicle or if you have not stopped near a free emergency telephone, call 999 immediately and ask for the police. Alternatively, press your SOS button if your vehicle has one and ask for the police.
Communicating your location. How to identify your location to the emergency services.
eCall. Press the SOS button if your vehicle has one.
App. Use a mobile telephone mapping application.
Marker post or driver location sign. Quote the numbers and letters on marker posts or driver location signs which are located along the edge of the road.
