No matter how careful you are with your car, it can happen that you come to a standstill along the road. The most common causes of car breakdown are problems with the battery, ignition coils, the fuel pump, the engine management system and failing parts in the braking system or suspension. When you come to a stop along the road, in most cases the emergency services will have to come. In this case, it is important to let other road users know that you have broken down and are standing still. Therefore, always put on a hi-vis vest and place the warning triangle behind the vehicle.
Hi-vis vest car rules
In most European countries it is mandatory to keep at least one hi-vis vest in the car. Are you going on holiday with the children or do you often have several passengers? Then it is of course safer to also purchase a hi-vis vest for all occupants. In this way, children or other co-drivers are also clearly visible if you have a breakdown. Thanks to the yellow color and the reflective stripes on the hi-vis vest, you are also clearly visible in the dark.
What to do in the event of a breakdown
It is of course very annoying when you come to a standstill with bad luck. Do you know what to do when you are at the side of the road? To work as safely as possible, you can observe the following steps when you get stranded somewhere along the way.
1. Stand a safe distance from the roadway. Avoid standing still in a bend or in an unclear place.
2. Turn on the hazard lights.
3. Put on your hi-vis vest. Do you have children or other passengers with you? Make sure they also wear a hi-vis vest.
4. Make sure all occupants get out on the side of the car where there is no traffic (right side).
5. Place the warning triangle approximately 30 meters behind the car.
6. Do not remain in the car and stand behind the guardrail or a safe distance from the car while waiting for the emergency services.
7. You can now safely call the emergency services. You and the occupants are clearly visible with the reflective vest.
Buy a hi-vis vest
Buying a hi-vis vest is quick and easy at Winparts. Are you going on holiday? Then you can also look at our holiday packages. You can purchase holiday packages that are tailored to the rules of your holiday country. You will find, for example, a hi-vis vest, warning triangle and first-aid kit. This way you avoid fines and you are well prepared on the road. In addition to hi-vis vests, you will also find many other products that ensure that you can travel safely. For example, also take a look at our child car seats, emergency hammers, theft prevention, fire extinguishers, alcohol tests and first-aid kits.