If you cannot get onto the hard shoulder, what should you do?

If you cannot get onto the hard shoulder, what should you do?

• A. Walk to the nearest exit while hazard lights remain on
• B. Put your hazard lights on and only leave your vehicle when you can safely clear the carriageway; if you are disabled remain in the vehicle with the hazard lights on
• C. Turn off all lights and walk in the lane
• D. Open the door and stand in the lane

Answer: (B)

If you can’t reach a safe area off the carriageway, your priority is to stay visible and protected while you seek help. Put your hazard warning lights on so other drivers notice you, and only leave the vehicle when you can safely get to a place of safety away from the traffic. If you’re unable to move or are disabled, remain in the vehicle with the hazard lights on and call for assistance. This approach minimizes the danger of being struck by fast-moving traffic and avoids exposing yourself on the carriageway. Walking to an exit, turning off lights and walking in the lane, or opening a door and standing in the lane would place you at serious risk from passing vehicles and are not appropriate safety choices in this situation.

If you can’t reach a safe area off the carriageway, your priority is to stay visible and protected while you seek help. Put your hazard warning lights on so other drivers notice you, and only leave the vehicle when you can safely get to a place of safety away from the traffic. If you’re unable to move or are disabled, remain in the vehicle with the hazard lights on and call for assistance. This approach minimizes the danger of being struck by fast-moving traffic and avoids exposing yourself on the carriageway.

Walking to an exit, turning off lights and walking in the lane, or opening a door and standing in the lane would place you at serious risk from passing vehicles and are not appropriate safety choices in this situation.