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Original poster

Car broke down - handhold needed

93 replies

Scaredycatlady · 07/08/2023 22:35

Is anyone around for a handhold please? My car broke down 2 hours ago and the estimated time of arrival for the recovery truck is 4am! I’m stuck on the side of a motorway in the pitch black darkness and absolutely terrified.

OP posts:
Karwomannghia · 07/08/2023 22:37

oh no! Can you ring back and say you feel vulnerable? This was an option when I broke down recently but because I had the kids I was already classed as vulnerable.

Augustusgloooop · 07/08/2023 22:37

You will probably get a lot of people coming here telling you to get a grip but I wouldn’t like that either! Are you safe? That seems a long ETA is it with breakdown cover?

Overthebow · 07/08/2023 22:37

Have you got off the hard shoulder? That’s the most important thing. And something warm to put on?

cottagepieandgravy · 07/08/2023 22:37

@Scaredycatlady oh my gosh, so sorry to hear this, how awful for you! Have you got anyone you can call and chat to on the phone whilst you wait, or could come and sit with you? How far from home are you? If I was you I'd probably lock the doors, recline the seat and try and sleep. Sending a hand hold x

Augustusgloooop · 07/08/2023 22:38

If you genuinely are on the hard shoulder you should get out really and wait behind the barrier. Can anyone come and pick you up?

Overthebow · 07/08/2023 22:39

If I was you I'd probably lock the doors, recline the seat and try and sleep.

Not on the side of a motorway, that’s so dangerous. Out of the car, off the hard shoulder and preferably behind the barrier.

Gymmum82 · 07/08/2023 22:41

My car broke down a few weeks ago. The initial guy came out within about 4 hours but couldn’t start it and the recovery truck came at 8.30am the next day. Broke down at 6.30pm
Luckily I was close to home so got someone to pick me up and went back the next day. Can someone come and get you?

Vic231 · 07/08/2023 22:41

@Overthebow I completely agree, for some reason I read it that she was in a lay by

QuestionableMouse · 07/08/2023 22:43

Which road are you on, @Scaredycatlady

Maybe we can find some help for you.

If you're on the hard shoulder and can't get the car to move, it's worth giving 101 a ring - sometimes the police can get you to the nearest services where you'd be safer at least.

Original poster
Scaredycatlady · 07/08/2023 22:45

Sorry, the car is on the hard shoulder but I’m out of the car on the grass verge so I’m safe in that respect.
The breakdown cover is through my bank account with RAC. I’ve already rang them back to tell them it feel vulnerable and on the verge of a panic attack. This was in response to being given an updated estimated time of midnight. They called me back to say they have outsourced the recovery as there are no RAC vehicles available. I’ve since got a new estimated recovery time of 4am.
I’ve since spoke to my husband and he’s on his way to me but it’s over an hour away. It’s scary out here alone.
Thanks to everyone who has replied, the distraction is making it easier

OP posts:
Clefable · 07/08/2023 22:45

That's a ridiculous length of time to have to wait at this time of night! Can you get picked up and taken to the nearest service station to wait?

Whylurkwhenicanjoinin · 07/08/2023 22:46

How scary. If you cant get out of the car and behind a barrier, or even if you can, Id call the police so the motorway cops can be alerted and offer some protection, for as much other cars safety as well as yours

Clefable · 07/08/2023 22:46

And yes I would call 101 to explain that your car has to be left there due to recovery time.

alszq · 07/08/2023 22:48

That sounds horrid op

Allthefeel · 07/08/2023 22:49

That's good your DH is on his way OP, hopefully he will be with you soon. I would also absolutely hate this, but well done for getting safely away from the car and the road- deep breaths and if you have something to distract you on your phone- do you like crosswords or anything?

fullbloom87 · 07/08/2023 22:50

I'd call and explain the situation in more depth and see if they can hurry it up. Might be worth calling 101 as well and seeing if there's any help as motorways are dangerous And it's a long wait.

Augustusgloooop · 07/08/2023 22:50

That’s disgusting from the RAC I have to say! I’ll be thinking twice about renewing my membership. I was always (perhaps naively) under the impression that a woman on a motorway would get prioritised!

QuestionableMouse · 07/08/2023 22:51

If you have the £100 (I think) it might be worth giving the AA a try - they do "instant" break down cover and ime have the best coverage.

The number is 03330046046 if you want to give them a try. https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/instant-cover

Broken down? Get instant breakdown cover | The AA

Broken down now? We can come out and rescue you even if you’re not an AA Member.

https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/instant-cover

YawnyMcdawny · 07/08/2023 22:52

Oh you poor thing. I'd also hate that! I know some brave folk might come along and give you some inspirational advice.

Agree, call 101 and explain. They might send some help sooner

Rina66 · 07/08/2023 22:52

Surely they can't expect you to sit there on the side of a motorway for 5 hours? That's dreadful, you should be a priority, people that have broken down on A & B roads can stay in their cars, on motorways you can't, they should divert a truck to you, you should be top of the list. You poor thing, how far are you from the next town?

Original poster
Scaredycatlady · 07/08/2023 22:55

I’m on my way home from a camping trip and luckily (haha) I had a camping chair and thin blanket on the back seat so I have grabbed them and put them to good use. All the rest of the camping gear such as warm clothes, sleeping bag and even my coat are rammed into the boot of the car. I think it’s too dangerous to try to get them out. For full disclosure, I’ve also got any anxiety disorder so very much into overthinking and catastrophising. I know some people would take the risk but I just can’t do it, so I’m flipping freezing too!

I do have some puzzles on my phone so might have a go at these to distract me.

OP posts:
MixedTocopherols · 07/08/2023 22:55

yikes, I don’t blame you for feeling scared. Sending you supportive thoughts and I hope your dh gets to you soon.

Nemesias · 07/08/2023 22:56

cottagepieandgravy · 07/08/2023 22:37

@Scaredycatlady oh my gosh, so sorry to hear this, how awful for you! Have you got anyone you can call and chat to on the phone whilst you wait, or could come and sit with you? How far from home are you? If I was you I'd probably lock the doors, recline the seat and try and sleep. Sending a hand hold x

Really stupid dangerous advice - you never sit in your car on the hard shoulder. Unbelievable

im glad you are out of the car OP but sorry you have such a long wait ahead of you. If your DH wasn’t on his way I would suggest ringing round the AA, green flag etc - they’ll recover you but you’d have to pay a hefty fee for it

stayathomegardener · 07/08/2023 22:58

Whereabouts are you?

QuestionableMouse · 07/08/2023 22:58

If you think you can grab it quickly, I'd try to get your coat at least. It's not terribly warm tonight.