In the event of a breakdown at the side of the road, what should you do first?

When experiencing a breakdown at the side of the road, the first step is to turn on your hazard warning lights. This action serves an important purpose by alerting other drivers to the fact that your vehicle is stationary and may be experiencing difficulties. The visibility provided by hazard lights helps ensure the safety of both you and other road users, as it signals that you are not in a position to move and that extra caution is needed when approaching your vehicle.

Turning on the right indicator is typically used to signal a turn or lane change, which would not be appropriate in a situation where your vehicle is stationary due to a breakdown. Using full beam headlights might blind oncoming traffic, particularly in low light conditions, thus increasing the risk of an accident. Parking on the opposite side of the road is not advisable, as it could create additional hazards and confusion for other drivers. Overall, activating your hazard lights is the most effective and safest first response when dealing with a breakdown on the road.