In an emergency
Introduction to the subject
In this chapter you will find information on the following subjects:
WARNING
A vehicle breakdown in traffic is dangerous and creates a great risk for you, your passengers, and others.
- Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off the road where it is safe to park and, if necessary, lock all doors in an emergency. Turn on the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
- Never park the vehicle where the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite flammable materials, such as brush, leaves, dry grass, spilled fuel, etc.
- Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves alone in the vehicle when locking the doors. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed to very high or very low temperatures.
Protecting yourself and the vehicle
Fig. 45 In the center of the instrument panel: Button for the emergency flashers.
Read and follow the introductory information and safety information first
Obey all legal requirements regarding protecting a broken-down vehicle. For example, turning on the emergency flashers and wearing a safety vest are mandatory in many countries.
Checklist
For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed :
Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface .
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Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the button .
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Shift the transmission to Park (P) Automatic transmission.
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Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving Parking brake.
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Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch or turn off the ignition with the starter button and remove the key from the vehicle Starting and stopping the engine.
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Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a guard rail.
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Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.
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Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.
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Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.
If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.
Switch on the emergency flashers when:
- Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
- In any emergency situation.
- If the vehicle breaks down.
- When being towed.
Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.
If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.
- Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common sense.
NOTE
To help prevent damage to the vehicle if you should have to push it a short distance by hand, never push against spoilers, lights, body panels, windows, or similar parts. Concentrating force on these parts of the vehicle can cause expensive damage that may not always be obvious right away.
The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the ignition is switched off.
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