What should a driver do when their vehicle breaks down on the road?

When a driver experiences a breakdown on the road, the most appropriate action is to safely pull over and activate hazard lights. This procedure is crucial for several reasons. First, pulling over to a safe area, away from traffic, helps prevent accidents that could occur if the vehicle remains in lanes where it could be struck by other vehicles. Activating hazard lights alerts other drivers that the vehicle is experiencing trouble, increasing awareness and allowing other motorists to give the stranded vehicle space. This is especially important in low-visibility conditions or on busy highways where a stationary vehicle may not be immediately noticeable.

Choosing to leave the vehicle and walk to safety may expose the driver to risks from oncoming traffic, while continuing to drive slowly can also create a hazardous situation, as it might lead to a complete stall or another collision. Changing a flat tire in the median is not advisable due to the danger of being close to moving traffic and the potential for accidents during that process.