Emergency Handling Breakdowns

During a vehicle breakdown, your first action is to

Move to the roadside, preferably an emergency bay. Turn on hazard lights to alert others and avoid collisions.

On the motorway in Switzerland, use the emergency lane only

Driving in the emergency lane without cause is illegal. Use it only when the vehicle is not drivable.

After stopping in an emergency, exit the vehicle

Avoid exiting on the traffic side. Wear your reflective vest before stepping out for visibility and safety.

Reflective vests are legally required when

Swiss law mandates one vest per occupant. Visibility is critical in emergencies, especially in tunnels or highways.

A warning triangle must be placed

This gives other drivers early warning. Place it far enough to allow safe braking and lane changes.

If your car breaks down in a tunnel

Tunnels are high-risk areas. Stay calm, turn on hazard lights, and use the emergency phone for immediate assistance.

Never attempt car repairs

It is extremely dangerous. Always call Swiss roadside assistance or emergency services if needed.

The emergency number for roadside help in Switzerland is

117 can direct you to help. Members of TCS or ACS can call their hotlines directly for quick breakdown assistance.

Hazard lights should be turned on

They inform others you are experiencing trouble. Keep them flashing until the issue is resolved or help arrives.

When waiting for help, you should

Avoid standing near traffic. It’s safer to move behind a barrier or up an embankment while staying visible.

In snowy breakdowns, ensure the exhaust is

A blocked exhaust pipe may lead to poisoning. Run the engine only in short bursts and ensure ventilation.

Your breakdown kit in Switzerland should include

These items are legally expected. Regularly check they’re functional and accessible from the driver’s seat.

In remote alpine roads, breaking down means

Cell reception may be weak. Look for marked SOS areas, especially near tunnels or passes.

When smoke comes from the engine

Do not open the hood immediately. Let the engine cool and move away in case of fire risk.

If you get a flat tyre on a busy road

Never change a tyre in traffic. Find a safe pull-off area, or call roadside assistance for tyre services.

Emergency phones in tunnels are located

They link directly to tunnel monitoring centers. Use these phones instead of mobile networks when underground.

If another driver is broken down, you should

Do not stop unless it’s safe and necessary. Alert authorities if they appear injured or at risk.

After placing the warning triangle, you should

Stay visible but distant from the car. Avoid walking along motorways unless there’s an urgent reason.

When stuck in heavy snow, it’s best to

Avoid spinning wheels aggressively. Use sand, mats, or chains for traction if available.

Flashing your headlights during a breakdown is

It helps during low visibility or at night. Combine with hazard lights for maximum effect.

In case of minor collisions, Swiss law requires you to

If no one is hurt, take photos, exchange insurance info, and report the incident as soon as possible.

If your brakes fail, your emergency response is to

Avoid panic. Shift to lower gears to slow down and pull the parking brake slowly to avoid spinning.

Emergency breakdowns in mountain passes require

On steep roads, increase the triangle distance to 100m or more. Stay uphill if waiting for help.

If your lights fail at night, you must

Use hazard lights, place the triangle, and do not continue driving. Visibility is critical in dark rural areas.

A steaming radiator means

Never open the radiator cap while hot. Steam can cause burns. Wait and check coolant levels safely.