CLIPBOARD : COPE WITH A FREEWAY BREAKDOWN

A breakdown on the freeway is a motorist’s worst nightmare. Though it’s always a nuisance, breaking down can be dangerous as well. But here are some steps you can take to minimize the chance of danger:

IF YOUR CAR STALLS IN AN INSIDE TRAFFIC LANE:

* Put on your emergency flashers immediately. Do not stand outside your car or attempt to run across the freeway. Stay in your car with your seat belt fastened and headrest positioned properly. Wait for help, even though it is possible you may be hit from behind. At the very least, your car offers some protection from injury.

* Although it may seem to take forever, help will arrive. The California Highway Patrol and tow trucks contracted by California Department of Transportation and the Freeway Service patrol for breakdowns. (The Caltrans trucks are marked “Orange Angels”; the Freeway Service trucks are white and have a logo, and the drivers wear blue uniforms with logos). Also, it is possible that a passing motorist with a car phone will inform officers of your plight. Drivers without car phones also have been known to pull off at the nearest call box to report stranded motorists.

* Tow truck drivers and police officers often report that drivers rescued from inside lanes could have made it off to the side if they had not panicked. If your engine quits because you have run out of gas, put the car in neutral, signal that you are changing lanes and coast over to the side. “Some people automatically hit their brakes when they have engine trouble or a flat tire. Instead of stopping in the lane, do everything you can to get over to the other side,” said CHP Officer Al Michel.

* Do not block traffic lanes to exchange information with another driver after a minor collision. If your car is drivable, pull immediately to the side of the road. “Major pileups have occurred when motorists involved in a fender-bender blocked the roadway to inspect the damage and exchange information,” Michel said.

IF YOU ARE STALLED ALONGSIDE THE FREEWAY:

* Tragedies can be avoided by getting off the freeway at the first sign of engine trouble or a flat tire. “Changing tires and making roadside repairs is dangerous. It creates a distraction for other motorists and can cause an accident even if you aren’t blocking traffic,” Michel said.

* If you can’t get off the freeway, turn your wheels straight ahead and put the car in “park.” When leaving your car to use a call box, exit on the passenger side, away from traffic.

* Always face traffic while using a call box. See and be seen by oncoming traffic.

* Open the call box and lift the receiver. Newer models may require you to press a button. Follow directions printed on the box. No money is needed to use it.

* Wait for the ring. You will hear equipment automatically dialing the CHP switchboard.

* If circuits are busy, a recording will advise you to stay on the line. Don’t hang up. Waiting calls are taken in order. If you hear a busy signal without the recording, hang up and try again.

* When the operator answers, be prepared to give the following information:

1. The call box identification and location number listed on the sign above the box.

2. The nature of your trouble.

3. Your vehicle’s location.

If you so desire, the operator will phone your automobile club, a family member, friend, insurance company or other service for emergency assistance.

* Once your call is completed, make sure the receiver is properly replaced to leave the circuit free for other callers.

* If your car is in a particularly dangerous spot, it may be safer to stay near the call box or go to another area, such as behind a nearby guardrail.

* Make sure a friend or relative coming to help you parks 100 to 200 feet in front of the disabled vehicle to leave room for the tow truck. Never stand between the two vehicles. When the tow truck arrives, wait inside it.

Source: California Highway Patrol, Automobile Club of Southern California