Stranded on the Road? Here’s What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on a Kenyan Highway

Stranded on the Road? Here’s What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down on a Kenyan Highway

A car breakdown on a highway can be a stressful and dangerous situation, especially in busy areas like Nairobi or on remote roads in Kenya. When your vehicle stops unexpectedly, the first priority should always be your safety and the safety of others on the road.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take if your car breaks down in the middle of a highway in Kenya. Whether you’re in the city or on a rural road, these tips will help you handle the situation calmly and efficiently.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

What to Look For

When your car breaks down, it’s easy to panic. However, staying calm is essential for dealing with the situation properly. Quickly assess the condition of your car and determine if it’s safe to stay in your vehicle or if you need to move.

Why It Matters

• Safety First: Panicking can cloud your judgment and delay taking necessary safety precautions.
• Quick Decision Making: Assessing the situation quickly helps you decide whether to remain in your car or move to a safer location.

What You Should Do

✔ Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers that your car is stationary.
✔ If you’re on a busy highway, ensure your parking brake is engaged.
✔ If the car is still drivable, try to move it off the road to a safer location (e.g., the shoulder or an exit).
✔ If you can’t move the car, stay inside with the doors locked and wait for help.

2. Call for Assistance

What to Look For

If you’re unable to fix the issue yourself, you need to call for professional help. This could be a roadside assistance service, tow truck, or a mechanic.

Why It Matters

• Expert Assistance: A mechanic or roadside service will be better equipped to handle the breakdown, reducing the risk of further damage.
• Faster Resolution: Calling for help early on helps minimize the time your vehicle is stranded on the highway, reducing the risk of accidents.

What You Should Do

✔ Call a roadside assistance service or a towing company if available. In Kenya, many insurance companies offer roadside assistance as part of their coverage.
✔ Inform a family member or friend of your situation for added peace of mind.
✔ If you don’t have roadside assistance, consider calling a mechanic directly or the nearest garage for help.

3. Stay Visible to Other Drivers

What to Look For

Being visible to other drivers is crucial, especially when you’re on a busy highway. Accidents can happen if other drivers don’t see your vehicle in time.

Why It Matters

• Reduce Accident Risk: Staying visible ensures that approaching drivers can react in time and avoid colliding with your stationary vehicle.
• Alert Others: Using warning signals increases the chance that your vehicle won’t be overlooked in the fast-moving traffic.

What You Should Do

✔ Use your hazard lights to make your car visible from a distance.
✔ If it’s dark or visibility is poor (due to weather or fog), use reflective warning triangles or cones if you have them. Place them a safe distance behind your vehicle to alert oncoming drivers.
✔ Wear reflective clothing if you have to exit your vehicle, especially at night or in low visibility conditions.

4. Ensure Your Personal Safety

What to Look For

Your safety should always come first. Depending on your location and the traffic conditions, you may need to stay inside your car or exit the vehicle.

Why It Matters

• Personal Safety: The highway can be a dangerous place, especially if other vehicles are traveling at high speeds. Exiting your vehicle in the wrong conditions can expose you to unnecessary risks.
• Avoid Exposure: In some cases, staying inside your car and waiting for help is the safest option.

What You Should Do

✔ Stay inside the car if you’re in a high-traffic area or if the road is unsafe. Lock the doors and keep the windows slightly rolled down.
✔ If you’re on a quiet stretch of road and can safely exit the vehicle, move to a safe distance away from the car and wait for help.
✔ Avoid walking on the highway unless absolutely necessary. If you must walk, use the sidewalk or shoulder and wear reflective gear.

5. Troubleshoot the Problem (If Safe to Do So)

What to Look For

If you feel confident and it’s safe to do so, you may want to check for some common issues like flat tires, engine overheating, or battery problems.

Why It Matters

• Minor Fixes: Some car problems, like a flat tire or loose battery connection, may be easily fixable on your own without waiting for help.
• Prevent Further Damage: Identifying the issue early on can help you avoid further damage to your car.

What You Should Do

✔ If you have a flat tire, check tire pressure, and if you have a spare, replace the tire.
✔ If your engine is overheating, turn off the engine and wait for it to cool before opening the hood.
✔ If you suspect battery issues, try jump-starting your car with jumper cables.

6. Notify the Authorities (If Necessary)

What to Look For

If the car breakdown is causing a major disruption or poses a hazard to other drivers, you may need to notify the authorities, such as the traffic police or highway patrol.

Why It Matters

• Traffic Management: Authorities can help manage traffic around your vehicle to prevent accidents or congestion.
• Accident Documentation: If your breakdown is due to a collision, it’s important to have the authorities involved for documentation.

What You Should Do

✔ Contact the police if the breakdown has caused significant traffic disruption or if there are safety concerns.
✔ For minor issues, calling the local authorities may not be necessary, but it’s good to report if you’re stuck for an extended period.

7. Arrange for Car Recovery and Repair

What to Look For

Once the car has been safely cleared from the highway, it may need to be towed to a nearby garage for repairs.

Why It Matters

• Timely Repair: Prompt repair can prevent further complications and ensure your car is roadworthy again.
• Avoid Further Breakdown: Towing the car to a trusted garage ensures that it’s fixed properly and any underlying issues are addressed.

What You Should Do

✔ Arrange for the car to be towed to a trusted mechanic or repair shop.
✔ Once at the garage, request a diagnostic check to identify the cause of the breakdown and ensure there’s no underlying issue.

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Prepared

A car breakdown on a highway can be a frustrating and dangerous experience, but with the right precautions and steps, you can minimize risks and get back on the road safely. Always stay calm, ensure your safety, and call for professional help when necessary.

For assistance with vehicle maintenance, repairs, or any car-related emergencies, visit Automotive Doctor Motor Garage. We offer expert car inspections, diagnostics, and repairs to keep you safe on the road.

Need help with your car? Book an appointment today for a thorough check-up!