What to do in the event of an emergency stop on the highway

Stopping on the highway is prohibited and punishable by a very serious offense. However, there are some situations that may require a stop, such as breakdowns. Never stop at the suggestion of others, it could be a trap and you could be the target of a robbery.

If you ever have to make an emergency stop on the side of the highway, you must follow a series of rules. Start by slowly slowing down and signaling your intention to pull over to the right, always keeping your distance from the oncoming vehicles. Then put on your emergency lights (four flashers) and keep them on for the entire time you are stationary. Leave the vehicle stopped as far to the right as possible, next to the ditch or rail, and put on the reflective vest to get out of the vehicle and place the signal triangle at least 30 meters before the place where the car is stopped, as it must be visible from 100 meters away.

If your stop is due to a breakdown or accident, notify the authorities immediately. If you don't have a cell phone with you, you can use the emergency telephones on the sides of highways. Never cross the road to the other side, as this puts your safety at serious risk.

As soon as the reason for stopping has been resolved, you should resume driving, with the utmost caution, always using the left turn signal, gradually and when the lane is available. You should use the verge to gain speed before entering the traffic lane, as this is an area where users drive at high speed and an abrupt, unsignaled entry could jeopardize everyone's safety.

If you're driving on a freeway, pay extra attention so that you don't have to make emergency stops. All stops on this road are dangerous due to the high speed of the vehicles on it, even if you follow all the safety rules.

.

.

.

Source: imt-ip.pt

Translated with DeepL.com