Dealing with a Breakdown on the A20 Near Folkestone: A Driver’s Survival Guide
Breakdowns can be stressful, but staying calm and prepared is key to handling the situation safely. The A20 near Folkestone is a busy road, often congested with traffic, making it even more important to stay alert. Common breakdown causes in this area include flat tyres, engine issues, or running out of fuel.
This guide is here to help you navigate through a breakdown, offering simple and effective tips to keep you safe while you wait for assistance. Whether it’s a minor issue or something more serious, we’ve got you covered with practical advice for handling the situation.
1. Safety First: Ensuring Your Safety and the Safety of Others
When you experience a breakdown, your safety and the safety of others on the road should always come first. If possible, pull over to the shoulder or a nearby lay-by to keep your vehicle out of the flow of traffic.
Avoid stopping on bends or narrow stretches of road where drivers might not see you in time. Once you’re stopped, immediately activate your hazard lights to make your vehicle visible to others and signal distress.
If you need to exit the vehicle, do so only if it’s safe, and make sure to stay away from moving traffic. If you have a reflective jacket or vest, put it on to make yourself even more visible, especially in low light or bad weather conditions.
Taking these simple steps can help keep you safe while you wait for assistance.
2. Assessing the Situation
Once you’ve pulled over safely, it’s time to assess the situation. Start by checking your vehicle for obvious issues, like a flat tyre, smoke, or any strange smells.
If you hear unusual noises, it’s a sign that something might be wrong under the hood. Stay calm and think through your options, if you have a flat tyre or a minor issue, you might be able to fix it yourself. However, if it’s a mechanical failure or you’re unsure, it’s better to call for professional help rather than risk driving further.
Remember, safety is the priority, so don’t take any unnecessary chances. Take a moment to decide whether you can handle the problem or if you need recovery assistance to get back on track.
3. When to Call for Assistance
If you’re unable to resolve the issue yourself or if it feels unsafe, it’s time to call for help. First, reach out to a professional breakdown recovery service.
Whether you’re in need of a tow or roadside assistance, we’re here to help—just provide clear details about your location, your vehicle’s make and model, and what’s wrong. This information helps us respond quickly and effectively.
If the situation is more urgent, such as a fire, injury, or a serious hazard, don’t hesitate to call 999 for emergency services. They’ll prioritize your safety and coordinate any necessary action. Remember, it’s always better to ask for help sooner rather than later, especially if you’re unsure about the issue or feel unsafe on the road. We’ve got your back!
4. Preparing for Recovery
While you wait for recovery, it’s important to stay safe and prepared. If it’s unsafe to exit the vehicle due to traffic or weather conditions, stay inside with the doors locked for added security.
If you have warning triangles, set them up at least 45 meters behind your vehicle to alert other drivers. This extra visibility helps reduce the risk of another accident while you wait. Keep your phone charged to track the location of your recovery service or to stay in touch with family for updates.
Try to conserve your battery by avoiding unnecessary use, this way, you’ll have enough power if you need to make additional calls or provide further details. Being prepared can help you stay calm and ensure that your vehicle recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
5. What to Do While Waiting for Help
While waiting for help, staying calm is key. Panicking can make the situation feel more stressful than it needs to be. Focus on the steps you’ve already taken to ensure your safety and remember that help is on the way. If it’s safe, you can keep yourself occupied by reading, using your phone, or listening to music, just make sure you’re still aware of your surroundings.
Keep an eye on traffic and weather conditions, as they can change quickly, especially on busy roads like the A20. Watch for approaching recovery vehicles or any other changes that might affect your safety.
By staying alert and calm, you’ll be in a better position to respond if anything unexpected happens, and the time will pass more quickly while you wait for assistance.
6. Understanding the Recovery Process
Understanding the recovery process can help ease some of the stress. When you call a recovery service, they’ll tow your vehicle to a garage for repairs or to your home if that’s more convenient.
The cost of recovery can vary depending on your location, the distance towed, and the level of service needed. If you have breakdown cover or insurance, check to see if it includes recovery; this could save you money.
When the recovery vehicle arrives, the driver will ask for details about your vehicle, such as its make, model, and the issue you’re facing. After your vehicle is towed, you’ll typically have a few options, either getting it repaired at a local garage or arranging alternative transport if necessary. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more in control of the situation and ensure a smoother recovery process.
7. Preventative Measures for the Future
Preventing a breakdown is all about preparation. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial, check your tyres, fluid levels, battery, and brakes to keep everything running smoothly. An emergency kit can be a lifesaver, so make sure your vehicle is stocked with essentials like a spare tyre, jack, basic tools, a first aid kit, water, and snacks.
These items can help you handle a minor issue on your own or stay comfortable while you wait for help. It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your route, especially if you drive along the A20 often. Knowing where the nearest service stations, garages, and recovery services are can save valuable time in an emergency.
Lastly, investing in breakdown cover or recovery insurance is always a smart move. It offers peace of mind knowing that help is just a call away, no matter where you are.
Conclusion
To sum up, handling a breakdown is all about staying safe and calm. Always pull over to a safe spot, turn on your hazard lights, and contact a recovery service if needed. By staying prepared with regular vehicle checks and an emergency kit, you can manage most situations with ease. Remember, breakdowns are manageable when you know what to do.
If you need recovery assistance, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support, you can visit our website here, or give us a call on 01634 926801. Safe this number if you ever find yourself needing a recovery service in kent