Breaking down on a busy road is terrifying. Here's exactly what to do in the first 10 minutes to keep yourself safe and get back on the road fast.
1Step 1: Don't Panic — Get Off the Road
The moment you feel something wrong — a flat tyre, engine splutter, loss of power — your first priority is to get the vehicle off the active lane. Signal immediately, reduce speed gradually, and steer toward the left shoulder or an emergency bay. Never brake hard unless absolutely necessary. Even a partially disabled car can coast further than you think.
Pro tip: If you're on a motorway, aim for the next exit ramp rather than stopping on the shoulder if you can make it safely.
2Step 2: Turn On Your Hazard Lights Immediately
The moment you sense trouble, hit those hazard lights — even before you've fully stopped. This is the single most important thing you can do to alert other drivers. In Queensland, you're legally required to use hazard lights when your vehicle is stationary on a road and poses a risk to other road users. Keep them on until help arrives.
3Step 3: Get Out Safely — Away From Traffic
Once stopped, exit the vehicle from the passenger side (away from traffic) if possible. Move well behind the safety barrier or as far from the road as the terrain allows. Never stand between your car and oncoming traffic. If you're on a bridge or tunnel with no safe exit point, stay inside with your seatbelt on.
Pro tip: Wear a high-vis vest if you have one in your boot. It's a legal requirement for some vehicles and could save your life.
4Step 4: Set Up Warning Triangles or Flares
If you carry warning triangles (highly recommended), place them at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on the same side of the road. On a highway, extend this to 100 metres. This gives approaching drivers maximum warning time. At night, reflective triangles are far more visible than you'd expect — they can be seen from 200+ metres away.
5Step 5: Call for Help — Know Who to Call
Now it's time to call for assistance. If you're in immediate danger, call 000 first. For a standard breakdown, call your roadside assistance provider or a local towing company. In Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast, Car Towing Services Brisbane responds within 30–45 minutes, 24 hours a day. Have your location ready — use Google Maps to drop a pin if you're unsure of the exact address.
Pro tip: Save 0469 264 626 in your phone right now. You'll thank yourself later.
6Step 6: Stay Visible But Stay Safe
While waiting, stay visible to the tow truck driver but keep your distance from the road. If it's dark, use your phone torch. If it's raining heavily, it may be safer to wait inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on and hazard lights running. Never attempt to fix a tyre or engine issue on a live road shoulder — it's not worth the risk.
7Step 7: Don't Accept Help From Strangers
Unfortunately, breakdowns attract opportunists. Be cautious of strangers who pull over offering to tow your vehicle — they may not be licensed, insured, or equipped to do so safely. Always use a verified, licensed towing operator. Ask for their name and company before they touch your vehicle.
8Step 8: Document Everything for Insurance
Once you're safe, take photos of your vehicle's position, any damage, and the surrounding road conditions. Note the time, location, and weather. This documentation is invaluable when making an insurance claim or disputing a repair quote later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dave Nguyen
Owner & Lead Operator, Car Towing Services Brisbane
Dave has been towing vehicles across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast for over 15 years. He founded Car Towing Services Brisbane with one rule: treat every customer's car like it's your own.