Truck breakdown on the motorway: the correct procedure step by step

Step 1: Get into a safe parking position

As soon as you notice a problem, switch on the hazard lights immediately. Try to park your vehicle as far as possible onto the hard shoulder, away from the carriageway. Brake gradually — sudden braking in a heavy truck can be dangerous for following traffic.

If you cannot reach the hard shoulder and your vehicle stops on the carriageway, exit the cab immediately from the right side and get behind the crash barrier. Alert the police immediately (112) and notify your dispatcher.

Step 2: Get yourself and passengers to safety

Exit the cab from the right side — the passenger side, away from the carriageway. Put on your high-visibility vest immediately. This is legally required in Belgium for anyone leaving a vehicle on the public road.

Send any passengers to a safe position behind the crash barrier as well. Never wait in the cab during an emergency stop on the motorway — in a collision by a truck or bus, the forces are extreme. Wait at a safe distance behind the crash barrier.

Step 3: Place the warning triangle

Place your warning triangle on the hard shoulder, at least 100 metres behind your vehicle on the motorway (30 metres on ordinary roads). Walk along the crash barrier rather than on the hard shoulder itself when placing the triangle.

If you have a truck combination with a trailer, the total length of the obstacle is greater and the triangle should be placed even further back for optimal warning time for approaching traffic.

Step 4: Call for help and inform your dispatcher

Once you are safe, submit your assistance request via the FastAssist24 platform. Provide your location (motorway number, direction and kilometre marker), vehicle type and the nature of the problem. Your request is forwarded to available service providers in your region.

Also inform your dispatcher or transport manager. For cargo with a delivery deadline or refrigerated goods, urgent cargo measures may be needed. If your vehicle is blocking the carriageway or if there is smoke or fire: call 112 immediately.

Step 5: Wait for the service provider

Wait behind the crash barrier, at a safe distance from your vehicle. Do not get back into the cab while traffic is passing. Keep your phone to hand to communicate with the service provider.

Via the FastAssist24 platform you receive updates on the status of your request and the estimated arrival time of the service provider. For a motorway breakdown, intervention is prioritised due to the danger of the situation.

Special situations: fire, leaks, hazardous cargo

If you smell burning or see smoke: exit the vehicle immediately, do not touch anything and call 112. Never try to extinguish a fire in or on a truck yourself. If there are fuel or liquid leaks: switch off the engine, do not smoke and maintain a safe distance. Call 112 if there is environmental pollution risk.

Carrying ADR cargo and there is an incident? Follow the instructions on your transport documents, keep uninvolved persons at a distance and call 112 immediately. Emergency services have specific procedures for hazardous materials incidents.

What does the service provider do on arrival?

The certified service provider who confirmed your request via FastAssist24 assesses the situation on arrival. Depending on the nature of the problem, the provider will attempt to make your truck driveable on the spot or organise towing to the nearest garage or your depot.

On motorways, signalling vehicles are typically used to secure the intervention zone. Follow the instructions of the service provider and the road police. Do not leave the secured zone without the operator's authorisation.

Frequently asked questions