Motorists Should Stay in Vehicles During Roadside Breakdowns, Says Auto Club

Business Wire, Jan 12, 2000

News/Assignment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2000

Note: This Release Clarifies Advice for Roadside Breakdowns

in California. A Recent Release From AAA MidAtlantic is

Specific Only to Virginia. That Release is Being

Widely Disseminated as AAA National Policy. It is Not.

If your vehicle breaks down on the roadway, stay inside your vehicle, warns the Automobile Club of Southern California.

Because of the dangers of oncoming traffic, particularly on freeways, it is safer not to get out of your vehicle. If possible, pull as far off the roadway as you can. Turn on your flashers to warn other motorists that you are having problems. If you have a cell phone, use it to call the Auto Club or a towing company, or if you break down in the flow of traffic, call 911.

A recent news release from AAA MidAtlantic told motorists to get out of their vehicles if a breakdown occurs. That advice is specific to Virginia, where several people were killed after stopping on roadside shoulders. Virginia allows certain shoulders to be used as traffic lanes during rush hours.

"In California, people should only leave their vehicles if they can safely get to the side of the road," said Arline Dillman, traffic safety expert for the Auto Club. "Even then, they should only leave their vehicle if they can put a barrier such as a guard rail between themselves and traffic. It is not safe for people to stand around at the edge of freeways or on shoulders at any time."

If a motorist pulls over next to a retaining wall, stay in the vehicle, says Dillman, because there is no way to safely get out. Consider moving to the passenger seat because the driver side of the vehicle is more likely to be struck by an oncoming vehicle.

The Auto Club recommends using freeway call boxes only if motorists can reach them safely without crossing traffic lanes, on/off ramps or transition roads. Walk only on the shoulder area as far away from traffic as possible. Always face traffic when using the call box so you can see and be seen.

"Motorists also need to be alert for disabled vehicles at all times," said Dillman. "If you see one, slow down and drive carefully by or around it so you don't cause an accident."

The Auto Club recommends the following if your vehicle breaks down:

-- At the first sign of a vehicle problem, exit the freeway. If

that is not possible, try to reach the right shoulder. If you

cannot reach the right shoulder, park as close to the center

divider as possible.

-- If your car has a flat tire, it's better to drive off the

freeway than try to salvage the tire. Avoid making any repairs

on the freeway. If you must do so, have a passenger watch

traffic for you. Never turn your back on traffic.

-- If stopped in the center divider, it's generally safest to

remain in your car until help arrives. Keep your seatbelt

fastened and your car doors locked.

-- Turn on your hazard warning lights.

-- If your vehicle is stopped in a particularly dangerous spot

and you can do so safely, get out of your vehicle to wait for

help. Always try to put a barrier between you and traffic.

-- If you leave your vehicle, take your keys and set your parking

brake. Leave your warning lights on and tie a handkerchief or

cloth to your antenna. Always exit the vehicle on the side

away from traffic.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.