1. Stay Calm: Firstly, try to remain composed and don't panic. Panicking can impair your decision-making abilities.
2. Turn on Hazard Lights: Immediately switch on your vehicle's hazard lights. This will signal to other drivers that your vehicle is disabled.
3. Steer to the Right Shoulder: If you can safely do so, try to steer your car to the right shoulder of the highway. Pull off the pavement as far as possible to avoid blocking traffic.
4. Park Safely: Turn off the engine and put your vehicle in park (for an automatic transmission) or first gear (for a manual transmission). Engage the parking brake to ensure that your car doesn't roll back onto the highway.
5. Turn on Parking Lights: Turn on your parking lights to increase your vehicle's visibility to other drivers, especially at night.
6. Exit Vehicle Carefully: If it's safe to exit, leave your vehicle through the passenger side (opposite the flow of traffic) and move to a safe area on the shoulder away from traffic. If there's heavy traffic or it's not safe to leave the car, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened.
7. Call for Help: Use your mobile phone to call for roadside assistance or dial 911 for emergency help. Describe your location and the situation as accurately as possible.
8. Display Warning Signs: If you have a warning triangle or flares available, place them on the highway in front of and behind your vehicle to alert other drivers of your disabled car.
9. Remain Visible: If it's dark, turn on the interior lights of your vehicle and use your mobile phone's flashlight to make your presence more visible to other motorists.
10. Be Patient: Wait safely for help to arrive. Depending on your location and the time of day, assistance might take some time.
11. Stay Inside Your Vehicle (If Necessary): If you feel unsafe leaving the vehicle, stay inside, lock the doors, and wait for help to arrive.
12. Document the Incident: Once the situation is resolved, document the incident, including the time, location, and any relevant details.
Remember, safety is paramount. Your goal is to move your car to a safe location and stay out of harm's way until assistance arrives.
