A sudden breakdown can turn any journey into a stressful experience. Whether you are driving along Park Street, riding through Salt Lake, or travelling on the Kolkata–Durgapur Expressway, a car or bike problem in the middle of the road is never pleasant.

In a busy city like Kolkata and its surrounding areas, traffic moves fast, roads can be narrow, and help might not be immediately available. Knowing what to do in such situations can keep you safe and help you get back on track quickly.

1. Move to a Safe Spot

The first priority in any breakdown situation is safety. If your vehicle is still able to move, slowly guide it to the side of the road, an emergency lane, or a nearby parking area. Avoid stopping in blind spots like curves, narrow bridges, or busy junctions.

If your vehicle has completely stopped in the middle of the road, turn on your hazard lights immediately so that other drivers can see you from a distance.

2. Switch On Hazard Lights and Use Warning Signals

Hazard lights are your first line of communication with other drivers. Keep them on to alert approaching vehicles.

If you have a reflective warning triangle or safety cone, place it a few metres behind your car or bike to give other drivers enough time to react and slow down. This is especially important on highways like NH16 or NH19, where vehicles move at higher speeds.

3. Stay Visible, Especially at Night

If your breakdown happens after dark, visibility becomes even more important. Keep your parking lights on and wear a reflective jacket if you have one. A small torch can also help you see better and signal to others.

4. Avoid DIY Repairs in Unsafe Locations

In Kolkata’s busy traffic or on high-speed highways, trying to fix a breakdown on your own can be risky. Unless it’s something quick and safe, like changing a tyre in a well-lit area, it’s better to wait for professional help.

For motorcycles, changing a punctured tube or fixing a loose chain on a narrow road can be dangerous. Always prioritise safety over quick fixes.

5. Call a Reliable Towing or Roadside Assistance Service

Once your vehicle is in a safe position, contact a professional towing service that operates in Kolkata and nearby towns. Services like Ride N Rescue offer both car and bike towing across the city and to nearby areas such as Howrah, New Town, Barrackpore, Dankuni, and even along major highways.

A trained team can transport your vehicle to a garage or your preferred destination without causing further damage.

6. Share Your Exact Location

When calling for help, give clear details about your location. Mention nearby landmarks, road numbers, or GPS coordinates if possible. In Kolkata, common references include Metro stations, flyovers, or well-known crossings like Shyambazar Five Point or Gariahat Junction.

On highways, note the kilometre marker or toll plaza you passed most recently. This will help the towing team find you faster.

7. Inform Someone You Trust

If you’re alone, let a friend or family member know about your situation and location. This ensures someone is aware of your circumstances until help arrives.

8. Stay Inside the Vehicle if It’s Safe

On busy roads, standing outside your vehicle can put you at risk. If you feel safe, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until the towing team or roadside assistance arrives. For bikes, wait in a safe spot away from traffic.

9. Be Prepared for the Future

Breakdowns are unpredictable, but you can be better prepared by:

• Getting your vehicle serviced regularly.
• Checking tyre pressure before long trips.
• Carrying basic tools, a spare tyre, and jumper cables in your car.
• Keeping a portable tyre inflator and puncture kit for bikes.
• Saving emergency contact numbers, including a towing service, in your phone.

Final Thoughts

A car or bike breakdown in Kolkata or nearby areas doesn’t have to be a nightmare if you know what steps to take. Prioritise safety, alert others, and call a reliable towing service to handle the rest.

Whether it’s a breakdown in Esplanade, a flat tyre in Salt Lake, or an accident on NH16, Ride N Rescue is ready to provide fast, safe, and professional assistance. Save our number now – because when your vehicle stops, we start moving to get you back on the road.

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