What is a driver supposed to do if their car breaks down in one of the middle lanes of the freeway?
Doug
Our Chopper 8 camera saw a car break down in the middle lanes of I-15 last week, and the driver got out and walked around the car, with freeway traffic whipping by at 70mph plus.
Police say when driving if you notice a flat tire, running out of gas, or the motor shutting off – make every effort to use the momentum of the vehicle and your signal to pull over to the right. Off on the shoulder.
If this does not happen, and the motorist is stopped in the middle of the travel lane- then they should stay inside the vehicle, with seatbelts on. Put on the hazard signals and call 911.
NHP recognizes this does not eliminate the danger; but they say a vehicle with hazards on is more visible than a pedestrian in the freeway -which is what this guy became when he got out of his broken down car.
Passing motorists should reduce speed, and if possible, notify police to ensure officers know about the disabled car.
And of course: car maintenance is paramount – especially in the high heat of summer.
Brian
