This is one of those questions people don’t think about until they’re already stuck. The car’s stopped, traffic is still moving, and you’re sat there wondering if getting out is the right move or a really bad one.
A lot of drivers freeze in that moment. Some stay inside when they probably shouldn’t. Others jump straight out without really looking around first. Neither option is always right, which is why this catches people out so often.
Where you’ve broken down matters. What’s happening around you matters even more.
Why This Decision Causes So Much Confusion
People want a simple rule. Stay in. Get out. Do this every time.
That rule doesn’t really exist.
We see situations where staying in the car was the safest thing to do. We also see situations where staying put nearly caused a second accident. It depends on the road, the traffic, and how visible you are to other drivers.
Busy roads change quickly. One minute traffic is crawling, the next it’s picking up speed again.
When Leaving the Car Is Usually the Better Option
There are times where staying inside the vehicle puts you in a worse position.
Leaving the car is often safer when:
- traffic is passing close by
- the car has stopped in an exposed spot
- drivers are braking suddenly behind you
- there’s a verge, barrier, or space away from the road
In those situations, the vehicle itself becomes the danger, not the breakdown.
When Staying Inside Can Make More Sense
That said, getting out isn’t always safer.
Staying inside can be the better choice when:
- the road is quiet
- visibility is good
- the car is well off the carriageway
- there’s nowhere safe to stand
If you stay inside, keep your seatbelt on and stay aware of what’s happening around you. Don’t switch off mentally just because you’re waiting.
Mistakes We See People Make All the Time
A lot of bad decisions come from panic rather than thinking it through.
Some common ones are:
- stepping straight into traffic
- standing right next to the car
- going back to grab items from the boot
- changing position repeatedly
Once you’ve chosen a safe spot, it’s usually best to stay there.
What To Do Once You’ve Moved Somewhere Safer
Once you’re out of danger, the focus should shift to getting help, not fixing the problem yourself.
At that point:
- keep hazard lights on
- avoid going back to the car unless necessary
- stay visible but well away from traffic
- call for recovery rather than guessing
Our breakdown recovery service is designed to remove cars from unsafe positions properly, especially on busy Kent roads:
https://redsrecovery.co.uk/breakdown-recovery/
How This Usually Starts in the First Place
In a lot of cases, this situation starts earlier than people realise. The car overheats. It cuts out. Power drops suddenly. You’re forced to stop where you didn’t plan to.
That sudden stop is usually the most dangerous part of the whole breakdown, not what comes after.
When a breakdown happens after an impact or collision, the advice shifts again and what you do next can affect insurance, recovery, and costs.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect answer here. What matters is looking at what’s around you and choosing the safest option in that moment, not the quickest or most convenient one.
If you’re broken down and unsure what to do, calling for help early is usually the right call.
Reds Recovery Services can be reached on 01634 926 801.
FAQs – Leaving Your Car During a Breakdown
Is it always safer to get out of the car?
No. It depends on traffic, visibility, and whether there is a safe place to stand.
Can staying inside the car be dangerous?
Yes, especially if the vehicle is exposed to passing traffic.
Should passengers leave the car too?
If leaving the car is safer, passengers should move away together.
Do I still need to think about safety once recovery is on the way?
Yes. You still need to stay alert until help arrives.