Breaking down on a Canadian highway can be a stressful and potentially dangerous experience, especially given the vast distances and varying weather conditions across the country. However, knowing the right steps to take can help you stay safe and get back on the road as quickly as possible. Here’s what you should do if your car breaks down on a Canadian highway.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important step is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to poor decision-making. Take a deep breath and assess the situation. Determine if your car is in a safe location or if it needs to be moved to avoid further danger.
2. Pull Over Safely
If your car is still drivable, carefully steer it to the shoulder of the road, as far away from traffic as possible. Ideally, you should aim for a flat, straight section of the highway where your vehicle is visible to oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers.
3. Exit the Vehicle with Caution
Once your car is safely off the road, assess whether it’s safe to exit the vehicle. If possible, exit from the side away from traffic. In some cases, it might be safer to stay inside the car, especially in bad weather or on busy highways. Always be aware of your surroundings.
4. Use Emergency Signals
After ensuring your safety, it’s important to make your car as visible as possible. Use reflective triangles, flares, or other emergency signals if you have them. Place them a good distance behind your car to give approaching drivers ample warning.
5. Call for Help
Now that you’ve secured the area, it’s time to call for help. Contact a reliable towing service or roadside assistance. If you don’t have a service already lined up, search for local towing companies online, or use a GPS-enabled app to find the nearest one. In Canada, many highways are equipped with emergency call boxes if your phone isn’t working.
6. Stay in Your Vehicle (If Safe)
While waiting for help to arrive, stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on. This is especially important if you’re on a busy highway or in a dangerous location. Keep your doors locked and avoid leaving your vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
7. Prepare for Various Weather Conditions
Canada’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter. If you’re stranded in cold weather, stay warm by using blankets or extra clothing you have in the car. It’s advisable to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, warm clothing, food, and water, to be prepared for such situations.
8. Keep Calm and Patient
Help may take some time to arrive, especially if you’re in a remote area. Stay patient and avoid taking risks, like trying to fix the car yourself in a dangerous situation. Your safety is the top priority.
9. Prevent Future Breakdowns
After the incident, consider what might have caused the breakdown. Regular maintenance checks, such as monitoring your tire pressure, fluid levels, and battery health, can help prevent future issues. If the breakdown was due to an avoidable cause, take steps to address it to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Conclusion
A breakdown on a Canadian highway can be an unnerving experience, but by following these steps, you can ensure that you remain safe and that help arrives as quickly as possible. Always be prepared for the unexpected by keeping your vehicle well-maintained and having a reliable towing service’s contact information on hand. Remember, safety first—your life is more important than your vehicle.