What to Do When You're Stranded
A breakdown or accident is stressful. These tips will keep you safe until help arrives. Save this page to your phone - you never know when you might need it.
First 5 Minutes: What to Do
Follow these steps immediately when your vehicle breaks down or you're in an accident.
Stay Calm & Move to Safety
Pull off the road completely if possible. Turn on hazard lights immediately. If you can't move the car, get out and stand away from traffic.
Set Warning Triangle
Place warning triangle 50-100 meters behind your vehicle. On highways, place it further back (200m). This warns approaching traffic.
Note Your Location
Use your phone's maps app to get your exact location. Look for nearby landmarks, exit numbers, or highway markers.
Call for Help
Contact 24/7 UAE Recovery at +971 50 464 5696 or police emergency at 999, 901. Share your location via WhatsApp.
Stay Visible & Alert
Wear reflective vest if available. Stay in a well-lit area at night. Keep phone charged and stay alert for traffic.
Wait in a Safe Place
Wait outside the vehicle, behind barriers if available. Don't stand between vehicles. Stay where recovery team can see you.
Situation-Specific Advice
Different emergencies require different responses. Here's what to do in each situation.
Highway Breakdown
- Pull onto hard shoulder or emergency lane
- Keep hazard lights on at all times
- Exit from passenger side away from traffic
- Stand behind barriers, never on the road
- Call police if blocking traffic (999)
Night Breakdown
- Keep interior light on for visibility
- Use phone flashlight to signal location
- Wear reflective clothing if possible
- Stay in well-lit areas when waiting
- Share live location with someone
Desert/Off-road
- Stay with your vehicle - don't wander
- Preserve water and battery power
- Create shade using doors or blankets
- Signal for help with mirrors or lights
- Share your planned route before trips
Accident Scene
- Check for injuries first - call 998 for ambulance
- Don't move injured unless in danger
- Take photos of scene, damages, plates
- Exchange details but don't admit fault
- Wait for police for official report
Overheating Engine
- Pull over immediately and turn off A/C
- Let engine cool for 30+ minutes
- Never open radiator cap when hot
- Check coolant level once cooled
- Don't drive if temperature rises again
Flat Tyre
- Find a flat, stable surface to stop
- Apply parking brake firmly
- Loosen nuts before jacking up car
- If unsafe to change, call for help
- Check spare pressure before using
Essential Emergency Kit
Every vehicle in the UAE should carry these items. They could save your life in an emergency.
Items highlighted in orange are legally required or essential for safety in UAE.
Be Prepared
A well-stocked emergency kit can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Save these numbers to your phone. In an emergency, every second counts.
Save This Page
Bookmark this page or add it to your home screen. You'll have these safety tips available offline when you need them most.
Stranded Right Now? We're On Our Way.
Our recovery team is available 24/7 across all UAE emirates.