Immediate Safety Steps
When your HGV breaks down, safety is the priority:
On a Motorway
1. Pull onto the hard shoulder if possible, as far left as you can
2. Turn on hazard lights immediately
3. Exit via the left (passenger) door away from traffic
4. Move behind the barrier if present
5. Walk to the nearest emergency phone or call from a safe position
6. Face traffic so you can see approaching vehicles
On Other Roads
1. Get the vehicle off the carriageway if at all possible
2. Activate hazard lights
3. Use warning triangles - place at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on ordinary roads
4. Wear hi-vis clothing when outside the vehicle
5. Stay alert and keep away from the traffic side of your vehicle
Who to Contact
Breakdown Cover
If you have fleet breakdown cover, call your provider immediately. Have ready:
- Your policy or fleet number
- Vehicle registration
- Exact location (use motorway marker posts or what3words)
- Nature of the problem
- Whether carrying dangerous goods
No Breakdown Cover?
- Use Fix My Truck to find local emergency breakdown services
- Contact your fleet operator if company vehicle
- Call Highways England on 0300 123 5000 if blocking a motorway
Police
Only call 999 if:
- There's been an accident with injuries
- You're in immediate danger
- Your vehicle is causing a serious obstruction
While Waiting for Assistance
Do:
- Stay with your vehicle if it's safe and visible
- Keep warm but don't run the engine in enclosed spaces
- Conserve phone battery for essential calls
- Keep passengers together and supervised
Don't:
- Attempt roadside repairs on a motorway
- Walk along the carriageway
- Let passengers or pets wander
- Accept lifts from strangers
If your breakdown is on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, stay in your vehicle with seatbelts fastened and hazards on until told it's safe to exit by Highways England.
Information to Provide
To get the fastest and most appropriate assistance, provide:
- Vehicle details: Make, model, registration
- Location: As precise as possible
- Problem description: What happened, warning lights, noises
- Load information: Weight, any time-sensitive goods
- Dangerous goods: ADR class and UN numbers if applicable
- Vehicle access: Any keys, codes, or special requirements
The more accurate information you provide, the better equipped the mechanic will be when they arrive.
Preventing Breakdowns
Many breakdowns are preventable with proper maintenance:
Daily Checks
- Walk-around inspection before each journey
- Check lights, tyres, mirrors
- Monitor warning lights on dashboard
Regular Maintenance
- Stick to service schedules
- Address minor issues before they become major
- Keep on top of fluid levels
Common Breakdown Causes
1. Electrical system failures (25%)
2. Engine problems (20%)
3. Tyre issues (15%)
4. Fuel system problems (10%)
5. Cooling system failures (10%)
Regular servicing can identify potential issues before they leave you stranded.