What should you do if your vehicle breaks down on the highway?

When your vehicle breaks down on the highway, parking on the shoulder and calling for help is the safest and most advisable action. By moving your vehicle to the shoulder, you reduce the risk of being in the way of oncoming traffic, which can pose a serious safety hazard. This location also allows you to remain visible to other drivers while keeping your vehicle out of the traffic lane.

Calling for help ensures that you can get assistance from a roadside service, which is often equipped to handle vehicle issues safely and efficiently. Additionally, staying with your vehicle, especially if it's out of traffic, provides a safe location to wait for aid.

Other options, such as leaving the vehicle to walk to a gas station, can be unsafe, particularly on a busy highway where walking increases the risk of accidents. Attempting to fix the vehicle in the lane creates a dangerous situation not only for you but for other drivers as well. Continuing to drive at a slow speed can also lead to collisions and is not a viable solution to a breakdown. Therefore, parking on the shoulder and calling for help is the recommended approach to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.