Whether you are heading to work, the gym, or fetching the kids, a roadside emergency could derail your plans. Let’s be honest, these things tend to happen when you least expect it, and when it does, you want to be prepared, calm, and in control. In honour of Women’s Month, we are focusing on the kind of real-world knowledge that gives women confidence behind the wheel – starting with what to do if your car lets you down. 

Here is an easy-to-scan guide on how to handle a roadside emergency on the road. 

First Things First: Stay Safe: 

In case you have not been privy to this kind of sentiment before, let us remind you that your safety always comes before that of the car. If something goes wrong, we urge you to try to pull over in a safe place – preferably well-lit and away from fast-moving traffic. Put your hazards on and bring out your reflective triangle or jacket. This way, you can make yourself more visible. 

If you feel unsafe or are in an unfamiliar area: 

• Lock your doors while you wait for help. 

• Do not accept assistance from strangers if you are uncomfortable. 

• Call a friend or family member to stay on the line with you until help arrives. 

Call For Help: Know Your Options: 

This is where having roadside assistance, like AA Membership, really matters. With a simple call, app tap, or SMS, you can get help on the way without the stress of finding a tow truck or calling around for quotes. 

AA Members get help with: 

• Flat tyres 

• Flat batteries, 

• Keys locked in the car. 

• Fuel delivery (if you’ve run out) 

• Tow-in service if your car can’t be fixed on the spot 

Pro tip: Save the AA’s contact number in your phone and keep your membership details in your cubbyhole or wallet. 

Know What To Keep In Your Car 

In this day and age, with all the gizmos and gadgets at our disposal, we can certainly stock up a small emergency kit. These kits have been known to make all the difference in a stressful situation, so with this in mind, here’s a shortlist of what we suggest you keep in your boot or glovebox. 

Your Roadside Emergency Kit: 

• A charged power bank  

• A flashlight and extra batteries 

• A reflective triangle and/or reflective vest 

• Wet wipes or hand sanitiser 

• Bottled water 

• A rain poncho or small umbrella 

• A tyre pressure gauge 

• A basic first-aid kit 

If you know how to change a tyre (and feel comfortable doing it), we suggest that you also make sure you keep a working jack, wheel spanner, and inflated spare tyre in your vehicle at all times. 

What Not To Do  

Let’s say that something has gone wrong. You have heard a terrible sound, smelt something ghastly, or the tyres feel wonky, and now you have had to pull over. There are certain things you absolutely should not do, even if you are frustrated or running late.  

These are the things to avoid: 

• Do not get out of your car on a busy freeway unless strictly necessary. 

• Do not leave valuables visible inside the car. 

• Do not attempt complicated repairs if you are unsure – you could hurt yourself or damage the car further. 

The Best Kind Of Emergency? The One You Are Ready For 

While you can’t plan when or where your car will give you trouble, you can plan how to handle it. Roadside assistance from a trusted provider gives you peace of mind that help is always nearby, whether you have got a flat, your battery’s gone flat, or you are just not sure what has gone wrong. 

This Women’s Month let’s normalise being calm, prepared, and informed – especially when it comes to motoring mishaps. Confidence on the road starts with knowing that you have backup… and knowing how to use it. 

Feeling Informed? 

We trust that this information will prove useful, and don’t forget that AA Inform is home to all manner of tools and explainer articles that will empower you to make smart, informed choices that go the distance.