Broke Down on the 401? Here's How to Stay Safe

Step 1: Get as Far Off the Road as You Can

As soon as you sense trouble, signal and move to the right shoulder. If you can reach an exit or a wider part of the shoulder, do it. Every metre between you and live traffic matters. Avoid stopping on a curve or just over a hill where drivers can't see you.

Step 2: Make Yourself Visible

Turn on your hazard lights immediately. At night, keep your interior lights on as well. If you have reflective triangles or flares and it is safe to get out, place them well behind your vehicle.

Step 3: Stay Inside and Buckled Up

On a highway like the 401, 400, 403, 404, 427, QEW, DVP, or Gardiner, the safest place is usually inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on. If you must exit, use the passenger side, away from traffic, and get well back from the road behind a barrier if there is one. Never stand between your car and traffic.

Step 4: Know Your Location

Help arrives faster when you can tell us exactly where you are. Note the highway, your direction of travel, the last exit you passed, and any kilometre markers or landmarks. Your phone's map app can share a precise location.

Step 5: Call for Help

If anyone is hurt or your vehicle is in a live lane, call 911 first. Otherwise, call Roadsides Finest at (647) 370-2463. We handle fuel delivery, flat tire changes, battery boosts, and more right on the shoulder.

Ontario's Move Over Law Helps Protect You

Ontario's Highway Traffic Act requires drivers to slow down and, where it's safe, move over a lane when passing stopped emergency vehicles and tow trucks with flashing lights. When our vehicle arrives with lights flashing, passing traffic is required to give the scene more room.

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