First Rule: Keep Calm and Stay Visible
Breaking down in daylight is bad enough, but when it happens after dark it can be unsettling; especially on a quiet road. The most important thing is to stay safe and visible. Put your hazard lights on straight away and slow down carefully before pulling over. Try to find a wide verge, lay-by or emergency bay if possible, keeping the car well clear of passing traffic. Once stopped, leave your sidelights on so other drivers can see you from a distance.
It sounds obvious, but panic makes people forget the basics. Breathe, think, and don’t rush to get out of the car until you’ve checked it’s safe.
Move to a Safe Spot; But Not the Hard Shoulder
If you’re on a motorway, the hard shoulder is not a safe place to sit. Once you’ve stopped and switched on your hazard lights, exit the vehicle on the left-hand side and move behind the barrier if there is one. Keep passengers; and pets; well away from the carriageway. If you’re on an A-road or rural route, move onto the verge and stand well back. Avoid walking along unlit sections or attempting repairs in the dark.
If you can’t move the car at all, stay inside with seatbelts fastened, hazard lights on and doors locked. Call for assistance immediately.
Use Reflective Gear and Warning Triangles Carefully
If it’s safe to do so, put on a reflective jacket before leaving the vehicle. Keep one in the glovebox; it’s one of those items that feels unnecessary until the night you really need it. If you’re on a quiet country lane, you can place a warning triangle around 45 metres behind your car to alert others. But never do this on a motorway; it’s far too dangerous to walk along the carriageway.
A small torch or your phone’s flashlight can also help you stay visible, but don’t blind oncoming drivers with it. Point it towards the ground when signalling for help.
Call for Assistance
Once you’re safe, call your breakdown provider or emergency services if there’s immediate danger. Most UK breakdown services; such as the AA, RAC or Green Flag; offer 24-hour helplines and can track your location from your phone. If you don’t have cover, you can still call for one-off recovery, though it may take longer and cost more.
On motorways, you can also use an SOS emergency phone if you’re within walking distance of one; they’re placed every mile along most stretches. It connects you directly to the National Highways control centre.
Stay Inside if You Feel Unsafe
If you’re on a deserted road or feel uneasy about getting out, it’s perfectly acceptable to stay in the car with the doors locked. Keep your hazards on and call for help. Avoid accepting assistance from strangers unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe. You can always lower the window slightly to speak without unlocking the door.
Trust your instincts. Most people who stop are well-meaning, but safety comes first; especially at night.
While You Wait
Turn off the engine to save fuel but keep sidelights on if it’s dark. Wrap up warm, especially in winter; cars cool down fast once the heater’s off. If you have a high-vis jacket, wear it inside too; it makes it easier for recovery teams to spot you. Keep your phone on low power mode and note your location (road number, nearest junction, or landmarks) so you can describe it clearly when help arrives.
It’s also worth keeping an emergency kit in the boot; torch, blanket, phone charger, and reflective vest. You might never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.
Once You’re Back on the Road
When help arrives, stay behind the barrier or inside the vehicle until they say it’s safe. Don’t try to restart or push the car yourself unless directed to. Once you’re towed or repaired, take a short break before continuing your journey; adrenaline can mask how shaken you feel.
Breaking down at night isn’t pleasant, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. A few calm, careful decisions make all the difference. And if you know someone who drives long distances alone, send them this page; it’s the sort of advice that’s easy to forget until the moment you need it most.