Hypothetical question: Say your car broke down in the middle of the freeway...?

..and wouldn't start again? Granted you should have your car in shape before driving on major multiple-lane highways, but what if this happened anyway, right in the middle of the free way before you could pull over? And you couldn't get it started again? Would there for sure be a major accident? The thought of this scares me sometimes. What is the proper procedure in this case for the driver, and for other motorists (should we ever come across it..swerve and keep driving? stop to let the person get out of their car safely?)? Thanks!
Additional Details
I live in Canada, so I'm used to driving the 400 and 401 (don't know if people are familiar with these). They are major highways where people go 65 MPH and faster, and there are hundreds of cars, often bumper to bumper. I think a freeway is the same thing? Or maybe they're all called highways. Maybe that was a better description, if people know what I'm talking about. All your answers have been great so far!! :)

xcrewchief2002

WOW, great question.. First thing of course would be to put on your hazard lights. Hopefully, being on a major highway, an emergency vehicle of some kind would be along soon. I would remain buckled up in the car unless I knew that I could get out of the car safely. If I had a cell phone, I would first call the police and let them know that there was a hazard in the road and give my location.

If I saw a vehicle stopped in that situation, I would pull over at a distance away from the vehicle and then try to help the individual out of the situation one way or the other.

And about your fear, most vehicles don't just come to a stop suddenly on the highway. Normally, someone experiencing mechanical problems would pull off to the median or berm.

sgoldperson

Interstate, Freeway are the same basic thing and some call them highways but I believe highways can include other major roads. Anyway I'm not used to the Interstate being that bumper to bumper, but IF your engine cuts out then put on your hazard lights(4-ways) as soon as the engine goes out. Give the people warning, actually tap the brakes once or twice before putting them on. That way people realize you will be slowing down as well as being a hazard. Now at bumper to bumper it's hard to even try to drift to the shoulder, which is what you WANT to do. Maybe if you're lucky someone will see the hazard lights and let you try to move in front of them by leaving a gap for you. If you end up stuck in the middle of the road though then that's where you are stuck and hopefully you have a cell phone. If you can even get to one of the lanes on the end that would be great, because then if you don't get to the shoulder/break down lane at least someone can pull on to it and see if they can help you by offering a cell phone, or if you are alone maybe try to help push you to the shoulder. Of course you are better on the right, but as far as I'm concerned you are better off getting off the road on either side.

Ryan M

wow.well you should be able to get to the shoulder even if you have to coast there. if the vehicle is left in the middle of the freeway yes a MAJOR accident WILL occur. people these days aren't nice enough to help anybody anymore.

Bobby B

The decent thing to do is slow down and allow the driver to exit their car. Anyone who is a position to help should do so but we know most people will keep going. Example, 3 days ago I was driving on the highway and as a got off at my exit (which was a steep right turn) I hit some black ice and I did a 540 degree spin out. (I was facing on coming traffic) The car behind me stopped long enough for me to stop spinning but then tried to go around me. LOL good thing I didnt panic and I was able to reverse, turn around and keep going. I live NY not sure if that had anything to to with ppl not caring. DO WHAT YOU CAN TO HELP i wrote a lot ha

Branden

if it happens to you turn your hazard lights on and stay in the car if your female chances are a guy will help push it to the side out of the lane or city tow trucks move you off freeway for free happened to me in a lifted truck with 38"tires that was fun to push across 4 lanes lol

El mas chingon

id say push em with the car 2 the side so they can do wat ever they need 2 do and go you way

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