If your car breaks down when out on the open road your first priority is the safety of yourself and any passengers you have. Depending on the severity of the breakdown you want to try to pull off of to the side of the road so that your vehicle is not a hazard to other drivers. Switch on your hazard lights, and your sidelights if it is dark or if there is poor visibility.

Ideally you should always carry a warning triangle in the boot of your car and place it at least 50 meters behind your car on the same side of the road as your vehicle, except if you have broken down on a motorway where a warning device should not be used. If you have broken down after a bend, hill crest, or in a location where another driver may not see the warning sign until it is too late, move the triangle further back to give them ample warning.

Ensure that you and your passengers get out of the vehicle and more to a safe location on a grass verge or pavement. If you do feel vulnerable or threatened then getting back into the car via the nearside door and then locking all the doors is the safest option, until the threat has passed.