Breakdown and accident: warning vest, triangle and first-aid kit

In short: In a breakdown you switch on the hazard lights, put on the high-visibility vest, secure the spot with the warning triangle and call for help. In Germany vest, triangle and first-aid kit are mandatory equipment.

In more detail: The order depends on the place. On the motorway: first get yourself safe, then secure the vehicle.

In detail

• Vest: Within reach in the car, not in the boot. Put it on before getting out.
• Warning triangle: Place about 50 m behind the vehicle in town, about 100 m outside towns, about 200 m on the motorway.
• Safety: On the motorway go behind the crash barrier on foot, do not stay in the car.
• Emergency call: 112 for accidents with injured people. Breakdown help from motoring club or insurer.
• First-aid kit: Watch the expiry date; it expires (tuev-hauptuntersuchung).