Your car stalling on a busy highway is a stressful experience. With other vehicles speeding past, it can feel like a helpless situation. However, understanding the steps you can take to keep yourself and others safe is a way to exert control over a dangerous event. Consider the following steps as guidance after a highway vehicle stall.
What Are The Early Warning Signs Of A Vehicle Stall-Out?
In many cases, it is possible to identify warning signs of a vehicle in distress. Listen closely for sputtering sounds, warning lights on your dashboard, or an inability to accelerate as quickly as normal. As soon as you note one or more of these indicators, be sure to seek the opinion of a mechanic before continuing to drive that vehicle.
Steps To Take Immediately After A Stall Occurs
Take advantage of the time you have now to prepare for a highway stall. If a stall does occur while you are on the highway, follow these steps:
- Remain calm. Nobody wants to be in a situation where their vehicle stalls on the highway. When your vehicle cannot be operated, remain calm and assess the situation as best you can. The calmer you are, the better you will be able to handle this challenge.
- Every vehicle on the road has hazard lights. Familiarize yourself with your dashboard or other controls. If a stall occurs, immediately turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Once your hazard lights are on, you can utilize your turn signal while attempting to move to the shoulder of the highway.
- Move to the shoulder. Due to the speed at which you were traveling, it is likely that you will be able to use your momentum to travel the distance from your lane to the shoulder. Remember that the right-hand shoulder of the highway is the preferred resting spot for a stalled vehicle
- Once at rest, turn off the engine and utilize the parking brake. Performing these steps avoids a situation where additional mechanical issues occur.
- Do not exit the vehicle until you are sure that it is safe. Check your mirrors and consider exiting on the right side of your vehicle- away from traffic.
- Contact emergency services once it is safe to do so. 9-1-1 is appropriate to call if you are in immediate danger or if your vehicle needs to be towed from a lane of traffic.
Determining Fault After Your Vehicle Stalls On The Highway
An accident that stems from a highway stall presents unique legal questions. The first of which is determining liability (fault) for the accident. Even if your vehicle stopped abruptly, another driver may be at fault for having caused an accident. If another driver did not look ahead far enough ,then he or she may be at fault for the accident.
Finally, a product liability case is possible if a defect led to your vehicle stalling. The company that manufactured your vehicle can be held responsible in a situation like this.
