While you are driving, you may encounter a breakdown. Then it’s good to know what you can do in such a situation. These tips will help you further when you come to a standstill.
Also includes: Towing
10 tips for breakdowns on the road
- Stay calm.
- Find a safe place to park the car.
- Turn on your hazard warning flashers.
- Drive quietly to the side of the road and, as much as possible, park the car on the right side of the road, on the (hard) shoulder or in an emergency lane or refuge.
- Get out of the car. Have any passengers get out as well. Stay to the right of the car.
- Put on a safety vest (this is not mandatory but it is safer).
- Leave your hazard lights on and place a warning triangle. (*)
- Stand a safe distance from your car. On a highway, this is behind the guardrail.
- Check your exact location, such as looking at a hectometer pole.
- Call a roadside assistance provider and get help as soon as possible.
* Having a warning triangle in your car is not mandatory, but it is extra safe.
Emergency roadside stop?
Stationary motor vehicles on more than two wheels and trailers in the emergency lane or on the side of the road must have warning triangles and/or hazard warning lights on if they could be an obstacle to other drivers.
Hazard warning lights and warning triangle
Could your stranded car pose a danger to other drivers? Then you have to warn them. Turn on your hazard lights and/or place a warning triangle 30 meters in front of or behind your car (depending on the direction in which your car could cause a dangerous situation). Make sure the warning triangle is clearly visible.
Wait at a safe distance and call for help
Because virtually everyone carries a mobile phone, you as a road user are expected to be able to call for help yourself in the event of a breakdown. Therefore, make sure you always have a charged mobile phone with you and call Roadside Assistance (Wegenwacht) or another official breakdown assistance provider to come and fix the problem with your car.
Tip: put the number of your breakdown assistance provider in your phone.
Which helpline do you call:
- In acute emergency/in the event of an accident: 112.
- In case of a breakdown: roadside assistance number.
- Unsafe situations/objects on the road: 0800-8002 (the national information line of Rijkswaterstaat).