North Carolina DMV Practice Test

If your car breaks down on the highway at night, what is the first thing you should do?

1. Park the car completely off the road

2. Turn on the hazard lights

3. Call for help

4. Exit the vehicle immediately

The correct answer is: Park the car completely off the road

When your car breaks down on the highway at night, the first and most critical action to take is to turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers that your vehicle is in distress, making it safer for you and others on the road. Activating the hazard lights is an essential precaution that enhances visibility in low-light conditions and helps prevent accidents caused by approaching vehicles not noticing your stationary car. Furthermore, once your hazard lights are on, you should then focus on safely moving your vehicle off the road as much as possible. While parking the car completely off the road is important for ensuring safety, it is advisable to first signal your situation to oncoming traffic. After your hazard lights are activated, you can proceed to maneuver your vehicle to a safer position, if feasible. Calling for help is also a crucial step but should follow emergency signaling to ensure you are safe from potential hazards posed by passing traffic. Exiting the vehicle is generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary, as staying inside the vehicle is usually safer, particularly during nighttime.