If you follow political debate — for example conversations about Reform UK — it can be easy to forget practical road safety and what to do if your vehicle fails. Whatever the political context, every UK motorist benefits from knowing the Highway Code rules for breakdowns and where to find reliable recovery help.
Why this matters for motorists
A breakdown at speed or on a busy road creates immediate risk. The Highway Code sets out clear steps to keep you, your passengers and other road users as safe as possible. Familiarise yourself with these rules before you need them so you can act quickly and calmly if a problem occurs.
Key Highway Code points to follow
- Stop in a place of relative safety where possible — the safest places are designed for parking (for example service areas on motorways). If you cannot reach such a place, get well away from traffic and remain behind a safety barrier where available. See Highway Code rules 275–277.
- On motorways, move into the left-hand lane and leave the carriageway at the next exit or pull into a service area if you can. If you must stop on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area, exit the vehicle on the side furthest from traffic and wait well away from moving vehicles. See Highway Code rules 277–278.
- Do not place a warning triangle on a motorway hard shoulder or where it would put you at risk. On other roads, a triangle should be placed at least 45 metres behind the vehicle if it is safe to do so. Wear high‑visibility or reflective clothing if you have it. See Highway Code rule 276.
- If you cannot leave your vehicle safely, keep seat belts and hazard lights on, call 999 for the police and, if fitted, use your vehicle’s SOS/eCall button. Use marker posts, driver location signs or phone mapping apps to communicate your exact location. See Highway Code rules 277–278.
- If an incident involves dangerous goods, stay well away, do not smoke or use a mobile phone nearby and give the emergency services as much information as possible about vehicle markings. See Highway Code rules 284–285.
Practical checklist to carry in your car
- High‑visibility jacket (within easy reach)
- Warning triangle (remember restrictions on motorways)
- Fully charged mobile phone and, where possible, a power bank
- Basic kit: torch, warm blanket, bottled water
- Insurance and breakdown policy details, and vehicle documents
If you need recovery
If you need professional help, use an established recovery provider rather than attempting risky roadside repairs. UK Breakdown Recovery provides breakdown recovery, roadside assistance, motorway recovery and accident recovery; the company operates across areas including London, the M4, M40 and M25. For details and to get in touch, use the contact page linked below.
Before the recovery team arrives, follow the Highway Code advice above, keep well away from moving traffic and give clear location information (marker posts, driver location signs or a map reference) to the operator or emergency services.
Further reading and help
Read the official Highway Code guidance on breakdowns and incidents for full details and exact wording: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/breakdowns-and-incidents-274-to-287.
To contact UK Breakdown Recovery or request assistance, please use the contact page: Contact UK Breakdown Recovery. To view services and coverage, see: UK Breakdown Recovery services.
