Having a car breakdown is never a good thing, and in a country like the United Arab Emirates, other climatic and traffic conditions can also make it worse. Some may advise drowning the sorrows, while for others the silence is the best they can do; but, having a clear plan of action is helpful since it means that one can handle the situation rationally and logically. Here is a fully packed guide of what to do when your car is involved in a breakdown in the UAE.
What should I do if my car breaks down suddenly?
- Move off the road to the nearest designated emergency area. In cases of extreme necessity, use the right shoulder of the road to stop your vehicle.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- If you have a hazard sign with you, place it on the road at sufficient distance from your stalled vehicle to warn other oncoming drivers. This is typically considered to be 60 metres behind your vehicle.
- Don’t wait inside your car, or next to it.
- Call the Police to ask for assistance
- Call a Tow Truck or Roadside Assistance Service
- Wait Safely for Help
- Document the Incident
- Arrive at a Garage or Service Center
- Follow Up on Repairs
- Consider Preventative Measures
Understanding UAE Regulations
In the UAE particularly, there are laws pertaining to breakdowns of motor vehicles. For instance:
- Freeway Breakdown: On a freeway or major road, as an example, your car is legally unfit to be driven and therefore, you must call for a tow.
- Vehicle Registration: It is a legal mandate to have registered and insured cars thus it is essential to make sure that these are well updated.
Car breaking down especially in the UAE can be a nerve wracking experience but at least having a fairly good idea of what is expected will ease the process of handling the situation. If you remain composed, calling the proper services, and adhering to avoidance techniques, then the disruption and time to resume vehicle use are reduced. Knowing the specific rules and maintaining the car properly will take you a step further ensuring yours and others safety as well as readiness.
Abu Dhabi Police issue a series of precautions for the safety of all road users.
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Police has warned motorists to take the right precautions when facing sudden vehicle breakdowns while driving.
A stalled car in the middle of a road is not only a danger to the driver and passengers inside, but also to other oncoming vehicles, which may not be able to stop in time to prevent an accident. These kinds of incidents can also lead to vehicle pile-ups, putting many road users at risk. In a social media post, the Police, therefore, referred to such incidents as “one of the most dangerous” on the road, and issued a number of key precautions that motorists can take to protect themselves and other road users. “We are all responsible for road safety,” the Police said, and urged motorists to follow all traffic laws and regulations