If your vehicle is damaged and obstructs traffic, what should you do?

If your vehicle is damaged and obstructs traffic, what should you do?

• A. Stop and wait for police
• B. Report it from the scene after 1 hour
• C. Move it!
• D. Leave it in place

Answer: (C)

When a damaged vehicle blocks traffic, your first goal is to clear the roadway safely. If it’s safe to do so, move the vehicle out of the travel lane to the shoulder or a safe spot. This action quickly reduces the danger for you and other drivers and lets traffic resume flowing, which prevents secondary crashes. Before you move it, turn on your hazard lights and check that you can steer the car without putting yourself at risk. If moving the vehicle isn’t safe—due to location, ongoing damage, fuel leaks, or risk of another collision—stay put and call for help. Waiting for police or leaving the vehicle where it is both maintain the obstruction and heighten danger, whereas moving it (when safe) directly addresses the hazard.

When a damaged vehicle blocks traffic, your first goal is to clear the roadway safely. If it’s safe to do so, move the vehicle out of the travel lane to the shoulder or a safe spot. This action quickly reduces the danger for you and other drivers and lets traffic resume flowing, which prevents secondary crashes. Before you move it, turn on your hazard lights and check that you can steer the car without putting yourself at risk. If moving the vehicle isn’t safe—due to location, ongoing damage, fuel leaks, or risk of another collision—stay put and call for help. Waiting for police or leaving the vehicle where it is both maintain the obstruction and heighten danger, whereas moving it (when safe) directly addresses the hazard.