We know that breaking down on the motorway can be a very stressful, scary and dangerous experience. So we’ve gathered a few pointers for you to follow if the worst happens!

You must plan ahead: keep a reflective jacket, warm waterproof clothes and a torch in your car. Put the number of your breakdown company and your membership number in your phone. Some breakdown services offer free mobile phone apps, often even if you are not a member. Use the phone’s GPS system to find your precise location.

Get out of the vehicle: Leave by the left-hand door and make sure all your passengers do the same. If you have a high-viz jacket, put it on and make sure everyone is standing well away from moving traffic. If there is a safety barrier, wait behind it.

Telephone: Where possible, coast to an emergency telephone. If you use your mobile phone, you may be asked to give the number on the nearest marker post, located every 100 meters or on a square blue sign every 500 metres.

Don’t try DIY: Don’t attempt a repair on the hard shoulder of a motorway, call your breakdown company.

Unwanted company: If you feel threatened by someone, get in the passenger seat, lock the door and dial 999.

Patience: Be safe and be patient while you wait for help to arrive, nothing will speed the process up so don’t try to walk home!

If you follow these motorway breakdown tips the inconvenient event should go smoothly, although it may cost you money and you might get a tad chilly, safety comes first.