AWB Vehicles
This site is for all AWB employees who need more information regarding their vans and what to do in any of the following situations. Click on the options below for more information.
What to do when you breakdown in your vehicle
Breaking down in your vehicle can be a stressful and frustrating experience, but there are some steps you can take to ensure your safety and get back on the road as soon as possible. By staying calm, assessing your situation, and calling for assistance if needed, you can safely handle a breakdown in your vehicle.
1. Make sure you’re in a safe place
Motorway:
-Move your vehicle off the road if possible (watch out for any soft verges).
-If you’re on a conventional motorway and can’t turn off at the next exit, pull up onto the hard shoulder. Make sure you stop as far to the left as you can, with the wheels turned to the left.
-If your vehicle breaks down on a smart motorway, try to make it to an emergency refuge area (ERA) or exit slip road. If you enter an ERA, try to position your vehicle within the marked area which is usually aligned with the emergency telephone. This will allow those assisting you to park behind or ahead of you as required.
-Once your vehicle’s fixed and before you leave the ERA, contact the Regional Control Centre on the emergency telephone so the lane can be closed for you.
-The lane needs to be closed because there isn’t enough space to build up speed in an ERA before rejoining the motorway.
-Never try to leave an ERA unless National Highways or your breakdown provider has said it’s safe to do so.
-If your vehicle breaks down on a smart motorway and you can’t make it to an ERA or slip road, you should switch on your hazard lights and try to position your vehicle as far over to the left as is safely possible (making sure you leave room to open the left-hand door). Then call 999. If it’s dark or foggy, leave your side lights on in addition to your hazard lights.
-If you feel sure it’s safe to leave the vehicle, do so through the left-hand door and stand well clear of the vehicle and moving traffic – preferably behind the barrier (if there is one) on the embankment or verge and upstream of oncoming traffic. Remember the grass verge may be soft or uneven underfoot.
-Once National Highways has moved your vehicle to a safe place, contact your breakdown provider for assistance. Remember to advise them of your new or current location.
-Leave any animals in the car.
Normal Roads:
-get your vehicle off the road if possible
-warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if your vehicle is causing an obstruction
-if possible, keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor
-do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic at night or in poor visibility do not stand where you will prevent other road users seeing your lights
2. Wear a reflective jacket
-Put on a high-vis jacket if you have one. Help other road users see you by wearing light-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing at night or in poor visibility
3. Warning triangle distance
-If you’re on a motorway, it’s not safe to use a warning triangle.
-If you’re on a road and it’s safe, you can put a warning triangle at least 45m (50 yards) behind your vehicle.
–Remember to stay safe while waiting for assistance. Stay in your car with the doors locked, especially if you are on a busy road. If you need to leave your car to access the trunk or if you need to use the restroom, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking into traffic.
4. Call for assistance
Fleetline – for all vehicles call: 0800246876
By staying calm, assessing your situation, and calling for assistance if needed, you can safely handle a breakdown in your vehicle.
What to do when involved in an accident in your vehicle
Being involved in a car accident can be a scary experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take action to ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some steps to follow if you are involved in an accident while driving your vehicle:
Check for injuries:
-The first priority should always be to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is okay. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries, and then check on the other driver and passengers.
-Call 999: If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately. Even if there are no injuries, it’s still a good idea to call the police so that they can create an accident report.
-Move to a safe location: If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle off the road to a safe location. This will help prevent any additional accidents from occurring.
-Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Write down their name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance company and policy number.
-Take photos: Take photos of the accident scene, including both vehicles and any damage. This will be helpful for insurance purposes.
-Contact your insurance company: Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting your vehicle repaired. Call your supervisor or one of the management team: Informing us of any accidents you have had will enable us to assist you throughout the entire process. Additionally, we’ll be able to make arrangements for alternative vehicles or reschedule work as needed.
Fleetline – 0800 246 876
Remember to always drive safely and defensively to reduce the risk of accidents. If you do find yourself in an accident, following these steps can help ensure that everyone stays safe and the process of resolving the situation is as smooth as possible.
What to do if damage occurs to the company vehicle while its in your charge
-If a company vehicle is damaged while it is in your charge, the first and most important thing to do is to report the damage to your supervisor or Beth Hoggard right away. Even if the damage seems minor, it is important to document it and make sure that everyone involved is aware of what happened. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes later on. Damage should be reported within 24 hours of the incident happening.
-It is important to be honest and upfront about what happened, and to take responsibility for any mistakes that were made. Accidents happen, but it is important to learn from them and take steps to prevent them from happening again in the future.
You may be asked to pay the insurance excess of £250:
-if you are at fault for the damage
-the damage occurs in your own time, such as evenings and weekends
-the damage wasn’t reported within 24 hours of the damage happening
What to do if you get a chip in your windscreen
A chip in your windscreen can be a frustrating experience. However, it’s essential to address it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A chip in your windscreen must be reported to your supervisor or Beth Hoggard within 24 hours.
Email a picture of the chip next to a 50p coin to give a reference on size. Beth will then arrange a repair or replacement of the windscreen.
If you’re unable to get the chip repaired immediately, take steps to prevent it from getting worse. Avoid extreme temperatures, rough road conditions, and excessive pressure on the windscreen. A small chip may seem insignificant, but it can quickly turn into a major crack, putting your safety at risk. By taking action early, you can keep your windscreen in good condition and avoid costly replacements in the future.
What to do if you get damage to your tyres
If you get damage to your tyres, there are a few things you can do to address the issue. Firstly, if you notice a puncture or tear, it’s important to stop driving on the affected tyre as soon as possible. Continuing to drive on a damaged tyre can cause further harm to the tyre, wheel, and even the car’s suspension system.
Follow the guidance for a breakdown for both normal roads and motorways to ensure you are safely parked at the side of the road.
Once you’ve stopped driving, you can either change the tyre yourself if you know how to do so safely, or call for roadside assistance.
DO NOT attempt to change your tyre yourself on the motorway, please call for roadside assistance.
If you decide to change the tyre yourself, make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment, including a spare tyre, a lug wrench, and a jack. If you’re not comfortable or confident changing the tyre yourself, it’s best to call for roadside assistance.
If the damage to your tyre is severe, such as a large tear or sidewall damage, it may not be possible to repair the tyre and it will need to be replaced. Remember to always inspect your tyres regularly for signs of wear and damage to prevent potential issues while driving.
Fleetline – 0800 246 876