1. Make sure you’re in a safe place Move your vehicle off the road if possible (watch out for any soft verges). If you're on a motorway and can't turn off at the next exit, pull up onto the hard shoulder. Make sure you stop as far to the left as you can, with the wheels turned to the left.

2. Put your hazard lights on Turn on your hazard warning lights. If it’s dark or foggy, keep your sidelights on too.

3. Stay well away from moving traffic It’s usually safest to get out of your car (using the doors facing away from passing traffic) and wait behind a barrier. If you’re on a motorway, move up the bank if you can and stay upstream of oncoming traffic. Leave any animals in the car.

4. Wear a reflective jacket Put on a high-vis jacket if you have one.

5. Don’t put a warning triangle on the hard shoulder If you’re on a motorway, it’s not safe to use a warning triangle. If you’re on a road and it’s safe, you can put a warning triangle at least 45m (50 yards) behind your vehicle.

6. Contact Number on key ring Call us if you need our help Don’t attempt even a simple repair if you’re on a motorway. If you don’t have a mobile, walk to an emergency phone on your side of the carriageway. Follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder – the phone is free and connects directly to the police.

All these steps are in line with the Highway Code Rule 274 which tells you what to do if you break down.