Getting rear-ended while stopped on the roadway is one of the most common causes of serious injury accidents among people who are simply waiting for a tow truck or trying to fix a breakdown themselves. Pulling over correctly after a breakdown isn't a formality, it's a matter of personal safety. Here's how to handle it correctly, from the first sign of trouble to the moment help arrives.
First steps at the first sign of trouble
If you notice something's wrong with the car (an unusual noise, vibration, loss of power, a warning light), don't wait until you come to a complete stop in the middle of a lane.
- Signal and gradually merge toward the shoulder or the edge of the road, checking your mirrors as you go;
- Slow down smoothly, without hard braking. A sudden stop mid-lane is more dangerous than a gradual slowdown with a controlled merge;
- Turn on your hazard lights the moment you realize the car isn't going to keep running normally;
- If you can coast to a safer spot (a wider shoulder, a parking lot, a gas station), use your remaining momentum instead of stopping wherever the engine happens to die.
Where it's safe to stop
Not every spot along the road is equally safe for an emergency stop:
- Avoid curves and hills. Drivers approaching from behind spot a stopped car later on these stretches;
- Avoid areas right after crosswalks and intersections. There's more maneuvering from other vehicles there;
- Try to clear the roadway as much as possible, pulling onto the shoulder as far as it's safe and as far as the car's condition allows;
- If there's a gas station, shopping center parking lot, or other nearby area, it's often better to coast there at very low speed rather than staying on the road itself, if that can be done safely.
Warning triangle: the correct distance
A warning triangle is a required safety item, but many drivers place it too close to the car, which defeats the entire purpose of the requirement.
- In the city: at least 15 to 20 meters from the car;
- On a rural road: at least 40 meters;
- On highways and high-speed roads: at least 100 meters, and even further in poor visibility (fog, rain, darkness).
Stopping on a highway or high-speed road
Stopping on a high-speed road demands extra attention to safety: the risks to the driver and passengers are noticeably higher than in the city.
- Pull onto the widest available part of the shoulder, or into a designated emergency bay if one is available;
- Once stopped, exit the car as quickly as possible through the door facing away from traffic, and move behind the guardrail or barrier to a safe distance;
- Don't stay inside the car or stand next to it on a highway while waiting for a tow truck. Accident statistics show this is one of the most dangerous scenarios;
- If it's nighttime or visibility is poor, mark your position further with a flashlight or your phone's light, in addition to the hazards and triangle.
What to wear and how to behave while waiting for help
- Put on a reflective vest before getting out of the car if you're on the roadway or shoulder. This matters both day and night;
- Stay a safe distance from the road, ideally behind a guardrail or barrier if one is present;
- Don't stand behind the car: if another vehicle hits it, that's the most dangerous position to be in;
- Give the dispatcher a precise description of your location: a highway mile marker, a nearby interchange, or a visible landmark. This helps them find you faster.
Common mistakes that increase the risk
| Mistake | Why it's dangerous |
|---|---|
| Stopping right after a curve or at the top of a hill | Other drivers spot the obstacle too late |
| Placing the warning triangle too close to the car | Leaves approaching drivers no time to react |
| Waiting inside the car on a highway | Occupants are the most vulnerable if hit from behind |
| Trying to fix the problem yourself right in the lane | Increases time spent unnecessarily in a hazardous zone |
Bottom line
Pulling over correctly after a breakdown isn't red tape, it's real protection against one of the most common types of serious accidents. Move as far off the road as you can, place your triangle at the right distance, get out of the car on a highway, and keep your distance while you wait for help. If you can't get to a safe spot on your own, check out our article on when to call a tow truck. We'll get to you wherever you are, in the city or on the highway, as fast as we can, in any visibility or weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to place a warning triangle if my hazard lights are on?
Yes, hazard lights and a warning triangle are two separate requirements. They don't replace each other, they work together.
Can I stay in the car while waiting for a tow truck if I'm on a quiet city street?
The risk is lower on low-traffic, low-speed streets than on a highway, but it's still better to get out and stay a safe distance from the road when possible, especially after dark.
What should I do if the car dies right on a crosswalk?
If it's safe to do so, push the car by hand out of the crosswalk with the hazards on. If you can't move it, stay nearby with the hazards running and call for help right away.
Do I need to keep a reflective vest in the car even in summer?
Yes, the requirement to carry a reflective vest applies year-round, regardless of season or time of day. It's required whenever you're on the roadway.
How far should I place the triangle if visibility is poor due to fog?
In poor visibility, it's recommended to roughly double the standard distance to give approaching drivers more time to react.
What if I don't have a warning triangle with me?
Mark the car with whatever's available, hazard lights, a flashlight, any visible object, and call for a tow without delay rather than staying in a hazardous spot unmarked.