Drivers warned about surprising and dangerous breakdown actions

Drivers are being warned about dangerous practices in the event of a breakdown after an AA survey of more than 10,000 motorists revealed some ‘surprising’ actions.

Stopping in a live traffic lane of a smart motorway poses increased dangers, yet despite this, the AA's research suggests that drivers are actually less likely to turn on their vehicle's hazard warning lights if they break down on one than on other types of road.

Bizarrely, while 92% of respondents said they would call for assistance on regular motorways, only 82% indicated that they would do the same on a smart motorway. Similarly, while 83% stated they would exit their vehicle on regular motorways, only 76% would do so on smart motorways — perhaps due to a perceived lack of safe areas in which to wait.

Looking at motorways more broadly, more than 1 in 10 responded that they would put a warning triangle directly next to their vehicle on a motorway, despite the dangers of stepping into live traffic. More alarmingly, a further 41% said they would extend their exposure to danger by positioning it a hefty 45 metres behind their vehicle.

The AA recommends not using warning triangles at all on motorways.

That's not the end of these concerning responses — fewer than 1 in 4 responded to say that they didn’t realise the importance of pulling over as quickly as possible on a motorway if their vehicle began to break down.

At least drivers are showing more safety awareness on remote country roads, where 95% said they would quickly call their breakdown provider should their car come to an unscheduled stop, the highest percentage across all road types.

Less encouragingly, while the AA recommends using warning triangles on country roads, only 38% suggested they would use one. Only 1 in 5 respondents knew to correctly place it 45 metres behind the car, barely higher than the proportion of motorists who would incorrectly place it next to their car.

The survey also found that the first action of nearly every driver who broke down in a car park would be to call their breakdown provider. The AA added that best practice here is for motorists to raise the bonnet of their car, to make them easier to find. A quarter of them would also turn on their vehicle's hazard warning lights in car parks.

Top tips to stay safe during a breakdown

• Turn on the hazard warning lights
• Pull over safely
• Exit the vehicle safely
• Call your breakdown provider
• Avoid dangerous practices