Incident Report #121

National Road Safety Week, break down safety tips

Senior Constable Rebecca McMeniman on May 16, 2022 @ 2:27pm

It has been an extremely disappointing year for the Sunshine Coast District who have already seen far too many lives lost in fatal traffic crashes on local roads. Break down safety is a major concern for the Sunshine Coast, and police are urging motorists to be aware of the dangers. Being prepared for a break down can help avoid dangerous situations. Ensure you are aware of the following to help keep yourself, your passengers and other motorists safe:

• If you become aware there is something wrong with your vehicle and are travelling on high speed roads such as highways or motorways, try and exit the road and move as far away from traffic as you can safely.

• If this is not possible pull your vehicle to the shoulder of the road or as far away from traffic as possible.

• Turn your vehicle hazard lights on so other road users can see you.

• If safe, pop the bonnet so other road users know you have broken down.

• Before exiting your vehicle check for oncoming traffic and exit the passenger side of your vehicle.

• If you cannot exit the vehicle safely, stay seated and ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt.

• If you can exit your vehicle, move behind a barrier or as far away from traffic as possible.

• Keep a torch in your vehicle.

• Call your roadside provider for assistance or 13 19 40.

• If you do not have a phone and it is not safe to walk, sit in your vehicle and wait with your car for help.

• Do not walk along motorways or highways.

Do not become complacent by assuming other road users will automatically see you and avoid you and your vehicle. If you see a fellow motorist broken down on the side of the road call 13 19 40 to report the breakdown and location. Do not pull over and assist as this could be very dangerous. Remember to move over and slow down as you pass broken-down vehicles.