When something goes wrong while you’re behind the wheel, it’s normal to panic.
Maybe you’ve heard one of your tires pop and you know you need to stop. It could be winter, and you’ve skidded so far off the road that you’re now edging into a slight ditch. Or maybe the engine has started making funny noises, or even smoking, and you want to get you and your family out of the car ASAP.
And of course, there’s always a chance of having an accident when you’re on the road. At times like these, if you’ve got your kids in the back seat, you're likely to be out of your mind with worry.
So let’s go through a few things you can do to stay calm in the event of a roadside incident.
Make Sure Everyone is OK
This is always the first thing to do when something unexpected has happened to your vehicle. Whether you’re still on the road or not, gently pull yourself off to a safe place (if that’s possible), or put your hazards on.
Then, do a quick first aid round-up of you and any other occupants in the vehicle. Is everyone okay? Did anyone hit their head? Is anyone feeling any aches or pains?
And even double check if anyone is bleeding, and have everyone give themselves the once over to make sure. Some cuts and bruises can be sneaky like that!
Do all of this in turn, as not only does it clarify if medical assistance is needed, but it immediately gives your mind something to focus on. That can stop you falling over into panic, where you can’t even let yourself think about what to do next.
Get Yourself a Reliable Recovery Provider
If you’ve broken down and need someone to pick you up within the next hour or so, look up a recovery service and save them into your phone.
And do your research. There are many options for breakdown coverage and rescue, but they don’t all provide the same effective, fast-response service.
Indeed, we recommend going with a more local car recovery company, if you’re only driving around the same regional radius, i.e., if you’re only going as far as 20 or so miles out on a regular basis.
That way, you can get fast and reliable car recovery from a team you know will be available, within a close distance, and ready to get to you no matter what time it is.
Stay with Your Vehicle
A quick point just to round off.
Once you’ve made sure everyone is okay, and you’ve contacted breakdown or accident support, don’t stray too far from your vehicle. Clear some distance if you need to, but don’t go too far.
This makes sure you’re in an identifiable spot for emergency crews, if they’re on the way, and it also makes sure no one has the chance to get lost.
Stay calm during driving mishaps by remembering the steps above!