What should you do first if your engine suddenly fails?

When your engine suddenly fails, the first step is to position your vehicle safely on the shoulder. This action is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. By moving your vehicle to a safe location, you reduce the risk of being involved in an accident with other vehicles that are still operating normally. Secondly, this action allows you to assess the situation without the immediate danger of oncoming traffic.

While keeping your vehicle in motion, signaling, steering out of traffic, and turning on emergency flashers are all important aspects of handling a breakdown situation, the priority must be to get the vehicle to a safe spot first. This way, you can then evaluate the situation, whether it involves waiting for assistance, making repairs, or seeking help without putting yourself or other drivers in harm's way.