When health journeys and vehicle breakdowns meet: guidance for UK motorists

If you or a passenger needs medical care, a vehicle breakdown can become more than an inconvenience. Preparing for health-related journeys and knowing what to do if a car fails can protect everyone involved and help you reach care safely and quickly.

Key Highway Code points to follow during a breakdown

The Highway Code sets out practical, safety-focused rules for breakdowns and incidents on all roads. For example, it advises stopping in a place of relative safety (service areas, lay-bys, emergency areas) and, where appropriate, keeping well away from your vehicle and moving traffic. On motorways it explains when to use emergency telephones or press an SOS button and that you should call 999 if you cannot reach a safe place.

Read the full official guidance here: The Highway Code – Breakdowns and incidents (rules 275 to 287).

Practical checklist for motorists making health-related trips

• Allow extra time: plan to arrive earlier when travelling for medical appointments.
• Carry medicines and essential documents in your bag so they’re with you even if the vehicle becomes unusable.
• Keep a charged mobile phone and a list of emergency contacts (including any carers or service providers) in an easy-to-reach place.
• If your vehicle breaks down, follow the Highway Code: get to a place of relative safety if you can, use hazard lights, and use motorway emergency telephones or SOS functions when advised. See official guidance: GOV.UK.
• If you or a passenger has an immediate medical emergency and you cannot reach a safe place, call 999 and explain the situation as the Highway Code advises.
• Wear or make available high-visibility clothing when exiting the vehicle where it is safe to do so, and keep children and vulnerable passengers well away from moving traffic.
• Keep simple roadside aids available: charged phone powerbank, torch, reflective vest, and a list of your recovery provider’s contact page or booking link.

How professional recovery services can help

Breakdown recovery providers can move your vehicle to a safe location, recover it from motorways or busy roads, or assist after an accident so you can continue to medical care if appropriate. UK Breakdown Recovery lists services including roadside assistance, motorway recovery, accident recovery and operates 24 hours in the areas provided by the business. For details of the services they offer, see their services page: UK Breakdown Recovery services.

When to contact a recovery service vs emergency services

• Call 999 immediately if anyone is seriously injured or if you cannot reach a safe place away from traffic (the Highway Code advises this on motorways and high-speed roads).
• Use a recovery service for non-life-threatening breakdowns, vehicle removal, or to arrange onward travel when everyone is safe.

Next steps and how to get help

If you’d like assistance from UK Breakdown Recovery or want to check what they cover for health-related journeys, please use their contact page to make an enquiry or request help: Contact UK Breakdown Recovery.

Preparing your vehicle and following the Highway Code guidance helps protect health and safety when journeys involve medical appointments or vulnerable passengers. Keep essential items with you and know when to call 999 or a professional recovery provider.