How to stay safe if you suffer a breakdown

Nobody likes the idea of breaking down but if the worst happens and you do suffer a mechanical failure in your motorhome or whilst towing your caravan, it’s not just your leisure vehicle that you need to think about.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has released some tips to help motorhomers and towers remain safe in the event of a breakdown:

• Store your breakdown service’s customer helpline number and your membership number in your motorhome or tow car – and keep a backup copy on your phone – so that you can access your details easily
• Always pack a reflective jacket, waterproof clothing and a torch just in case you break down
• If you do break down, pull to the side of the road if possible
• Exit the vehicle from the door nearest the kerb or roadside – even if it means having to climb across to the passenger side – and put on your reflective vest
• Make sure you and your passengers are standing away from traffic, behind a safety barrier if possible
• Use your mobile phone GPS to detect your exact location or look out for nearby emergency telephones or road signs to help guide the breakdown assistance vehicle to your location
• Never attempt to repair the fault yourself on a busy road, especially the hard shoulder of a motorway
• If at any point you feel threatened by another person while waiting for roadside assistance, return to the passenger side of your car, lock the door and call the police

“Breaking down is stressful, but be prepared by knowing what to do and when,” commented the IAM’s Peter Rodger. “Thinking about these things in advance will place you in a better position in case it happens and relieve some of the strain.”

Coast is a motorhome insurance expert. For a free, no obligation quotation call 0800 614 849.