Breaking down on the road is one of those experiences nobody plans for but almost everyone faces at some point. If it happens to you in the Bundaberg region, here's exactly what to do — step by step.
Step 1: Get to safety
If your vehicle starts showing signs of trouble — warning lights, loss of power, strange noises, steam from the bonnet — your first priority is getting off the road safely. Signal, pull over to the left as far as you can, and stop in a safe location. If you're on the Bruce Highway or Isis Highway, use the sealed shoulder or find a pullover bay.
Step 2: Make yourself visible
Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If it's dark or visibility is poor, keep your headlights on. If you have a high-vis vest or reflective triangle in the boot, now's the time to use them. Stay inside your vehicle if you're on a highway — it's safer than standing beside the road.
Step 3: Assess the situation
Can you identify the problem? A flat tyre is obvious. Steam from the engine bay means overheating — do not open the bonnet while it's hot. Warning lights on the dash can indicate anything from a minor sensor issue to a serious mechanical failure. If you're not sure what's wrong, don't try to fix it yourself.
Step 4: Call for help
Call a towing service. In Bundaberg, you can reach us 24/7 on 0451 252 501. Tell us where you are (the nearest cross street or landmark), what vehicle you're driving, and what happened. We'll dispatch the nearest available truck.
Step 5: Wait safely
Stay with your vehicle unless it's in a dangerous location (e.g. on train tracks or in rising floodwater). Lock your doors if you're on a highway at night. If someone stops to help, you can lower your window to talk without opening the door.
What NOT to do
Don't try to cross lanes of traffic on foot. Don't attempt repairs on the side of a highway. Don't ignore warning lights and keep driving — a small problem can become an expensive one very quickly.
Breakdowns are inconvenient, but they don't have to be dangerous. Follow these steps, call for help, and let the professionals handle the rest.