If your car breaks down in the road, what is the first action you should take?

Turning on your hazard lights is the appropriate first action when your car breaks down on the road. This action serves multiple important purposes. It alerts other drivers that your vehicle is not moving normally and signals that caution is needed as they approach, thereby enhancing your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Using hazard lights not only makes your vehicle visible but also prompts oncoming traffic to be more careful and perhaps to navigate around you if necessary. This is crucial in preventing potential accidents, as the risk of another vehicle colliding with your stationary car can significantly increase in low visibility conditions or busy traffic.

While calling for roadside assistance, attempting to push the car to safety, or signaling to oncoming vehicles can certainly be actions taken afterward, ensuring that your vehicle is visible to other road users is the priority right after a breakdown occurs.