What should you do first during a vehicle breakdown?

When experiencing a vehicle breakdown, the most crucial first step is to get off the road and away from traffic if possible. This action prioritizes safety by reducing the risk of being involved in an accident. Being on the side of the road minimizes exposure to the high-speed traffic that may continue to flow around your vehicle, thereby protecting both you and other road users.

After ensuring that your vehicle is in a safe location, activating the hazard lights is important as it alerts other drivers to your presence and indicates that you are in distress. However, this step comes after securing your safety by moving off the road. Notifying your insurance company and calling for a tow truck are also necessary steps but usually follow securing safety and signaling your situation to other drivers. Starting with safety by moving off the road creates a more manageable environment for handling the breakdown and seeking assistance.