Vulnerable Motorists

The U.K. Home & Business Security Advisor

Safety Advice to Vulnerable Motorists

BE PREPARED - PREVENTION IS BEST

Before You Set Out
Ensure that your vehicle has sufficient oil, water and fuel for the journey. If you don't know how to check these, then find out!
Learn where the electrical fuses are and how to change one if it blows. If any part of your electrics fail, you should always check the fuses.
If you do not ususally make long journeys, ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound before setting out.Check your spare wheel and jack.

Help Others
All motorways and main roads have regular police patrols. Most police forces have a planned response to assist vulnerable motorists.
IF YOU SEE SOMEONE WHOSE VEHICLE HAS BROKEN DOWN AND THEY APPEAR DISTRESSED OR VULNERABLE CALL THE POLICE - THEY NEED TO KNOW!

In The Event of a Breakdown
Motorways - Stop on the hard shoulder as close to the nearside as possible. Turn your steering to the left.

If you have a warning triangle, set it out well to the rear.
Look at the nearest marker post on the edge of the hard shoulder. you will find an arrow pointing to the nearest emergency telephone. The 'phone will provide a direct link to the Police H.Q.
Always face the oncoming traffic when using the phone. If another vehicle stops, tell the operator and give the registration number. If the driver approaches, tell them that you have given details to the police. If his/her intentions are honourable, they will understand your reaction.

Safety at the Scene
Generally, it is safer not to wait in your vehicle. Keep away from the traffic and use the nearside doors to enter and exit. Stay on the verge, well clear of your vehicle.
If you are alone, keep the nearest door open and lock all the others. You can then retreat to safety if anyone else stops. If the weather is too bad for you to remain outside, sit in the vehicle but keep your eyes on the traffic behind you. Be ready to jump out if necessary.
Sit in the passenger seat, that way you give the impression that you are the passenger and therefore, not alone.

Talking to Strangers
If you need to talk to anyone, stay in the vehicle, with the doors locked and speak through a slightly open window.
If the other person offers assistance, tell him/her that the police are aware and are arranging recovery.

PERSONAL SAFETY HOME PAGE

Before You Set Out	Ensure that your vehicle has sufficient oil, water and fuel for the journey. If you don't know how to check these, then find out! Learn where the electrical fuses are and how to change one if it blows. If any part of your electrics fail, you should always check the fuses. If you do not ususally make long journeys, ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound before setting out.Check your spare wheel and jack.

Help Others	All motorways and main roads have regular police patrols. Most police forces have a planned response to assist vulnerable motorists. IF YOU SEE SOMEONE WHOSE VEHICLE HAS BROKEN DOWN AND THEY APPEAR DISTRESSED OR VULNERABLE CALL THE POLICE - THEY NEED TO KNOW!

In The Event of a Breakdown	Motorways - Stop on the hard shoulder as close to the nearside as possible. Turn your steering to the left. If you have a warning triangle, set it out well to the rear. Look at the nearest marker post on the edge of the hard shoulder. you will find an arrow pointing to the nearest emergency telephone. The 'phone will provide a direct link to the Police H.Q. Always face the oncoming traffic when using the phone. If another vehicle stops, tell the operator and give the registration number. If the driver approaches, tell them that you have given details to the police. If his/her intentions are honourable, they will understand your reaction.

Safety at the Scene	Generally, it is safer not to wait in your vehicle. Keep away from the traffic and use the nearside doors to enter and exit. Stay on the verge, well clear of your vehicle. If you are alone, keep the nearest door open and lock all the others. You can then retreat to safety if anyone else stops. If the weather is too bad for you to remain outside, sit in the vehicle but keep your eyes on the traffic behind you. Be ready to jump out if necessary. Sit in the passenger seat, that way you give the impression that you are the passenger and therefore, not alone.

Talking to Strangers	If you need to talk to anyone, stay in the vehicle, with the doors locked and speak through a slightly open window. If the other person offers assistance, tell him/her that the police are aware and are arranging recovery.