Driving Tip
Number 34
22 August 2008
Beware the hard shoulder breakdown
The last bank holiday before Christmas sees many motorists make long motorway journeys and sadly, some of these journeys will be interrupted by a breakdown. And a motorist’s troubles don’t end once the car is on the hard shoulder; it is an extremely hazardous place on which up to 20 people are killed each year. But the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) says that understanding the risks at the roadside and knowing what to do will keep you and your passengers safe.
Remember that it is illegal to stop on a hard shoulder, except in an emergency. At the first sign of trouble with your vehicle, slow down gradually, pull over to the far-left side of the hard shoulder, put your hazard warning lights on and turn your steered wheels to the left. If possible, try to stop where other traffic has a clear view of your car – avoid bends or the brow of a hill.
Put on a high-visibility jacket to increase the chances of other motorists seeing you and move any passengers away from the vehicle via the left-hand side. Behind the motorway barrier and to the rear of the vehicle is safest position to avoid any flying debris if passing traffic strikes your vehicle. Pets and children must also be kept under control. Attempting to use a reflective triangle will put you at even greater risk and is not advised.
It is not safe to carry out repairs on the hard shoulder. Call for breakdown assistance on your mobile phone or, more preferably, from one of the emergency phones positioned at one mile intervals along the motorway which can help the motorway Control Centre locate your exact location. Look for arrows on small marker posts indicating the direction of the nearest phone
Wait well away from the motorway and hard shoulder for help to arrive. If you are alone and feel in any way threatened, return to the vehicle and wait in the front passenger seat if you are travelling in a car, with the doors locked and the seatbelt on. The moment you feel safe get back behind the barrier.
On rejoining the motorway, use the hard shoulder as an acceleration lane, to match your speed to the flow of traffic and then merge with the traffic in the left-hand lane.
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Media contacts
IAM Press Office: 020 8996 9777, or visit the IAM website at www.iam.org.uk
ISDN lines available
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Notes to Editors
1.The IAM is a member of the FIA (Federation Internationale de L'Automobile) and works closely with motoring clubs around the world on issues such as road safety, transport and the environment, and consumer protection. The IAM is grateful to the AIT / FIA Information Centre (OTA) for permission to publish this information that has been supplied by FIA member clubs in the countries listed
2.The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 160,000 road users a year (full members, associates and commercial clients) in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy. IAM Fleet, the corporate arm of the IAM, has two subsidiary companies, Drive & Survive and Fleet Ireland. It also operates IAM Pro-Drive.
4. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude. The “Driving Tips” provided by the IAM are part of our broader road safety mission and not intended as a substitute for the advanced driving course.
5. In January 2007, the IAM Motoring Trust was established as the research and advocacy arm of the IAM. The IAM Motoring Trust will undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.
