Wisconsin Drivers Should Know How To React If Their Vehicle Breaks Down

Modern day motor vehicles have become so reliable that few Wisconsin motorists pay much attention to a possible breakdown. There is, however, a flip side to the coin; as we have become used to very reliable vehicles, few people are capable of dealing with a car breakdown.

Car breakdowns are best avoided. In certain situations, a sudden mechanical problem or other issue (a flat tire, broken windshield, running out of gas...) may put you at risk of a serious car accident. You may end up on the wrong side of the highway, in a remote and isolated location, suffering from heat, cold or anxiety. Experienced Wisconsin motorists know how to be prepared for the unexpected.

If your vehicle breaks down:

• Be aware of your location. Look at the mile marker, the road and exit numbers, direction signs and landmarks in order to be able to describe your location accurately. If you have a navigation system, you can find the coordinates of your present location.
• Pull off to a safe place. If you can, drive to the far side of the right shoulder, unless you need to cross dense traffic lanes to do so. If you can't immediately drive off to safety, switch on your flashers. If you think your vehicle may be struck from behind, get out of the car quickly and walk away, always watching for oncoming traffic.
• Alert oncoming traffic. Your vehicle must be visible and signal an emergency situation. With flashers on, place warning triangles and flares at various intervals up to at least 100 feet from your vehicle, or 300 feet if on a high-speed section.
• Notify others. Walk to a place where you can telephone if you don't have an operating cell phone. Give detailed and precise information about your location and the nature of the breakdown. If you call friends or relatives, make sure they bring the appropriate tools and parts to fix the problem; otherwise, call an emergency road service. Ask them when they estimate they will be at the scene.

If you have been hurt in a Wisconsin or Illinois car, truck or motorcycle accident, contact the attorneys of Hupy & Abraham, S.C. today at 800-800-5676 (toll-free) or 414-223-4800 (local) for a free evaluation of your case, or send us an e-mail with your questions. Hupy & Abraham has offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Appleton in Wisconsin, and Gurnee and Bloomington in Illinois.