Are you looking to renting a car in Tanzania? Some of the important things to know before you hit the road are the uncalled instances of a car breakdown.
Car breakdowns are something unexpected and you need to be in the know how to handle this situation while on self drive in Tanzania. The following tips will help you in getting your problem solved easily so that you cannot waste much of your time.
Once the car breaks down along a busy highway and freeways can be so stressing and dangerous at the same time. In case you find yourself in a vehicle breakdown situation on a self drive safari, please keep calm and follow these vital steps below.
Remember to pull over off the road in case you find a safe place or in the emergency breakdown lane. Always indicate and try to stay on the level ground, if you would like to pull onto the left shoulder, always ensure that you are far away from moving traffic. In case you can’t pull off the road, the hazard lights must be turned on. Please don’t risk injury by attempting to push your vehicle to safe location and if you are not sure of your safety as well as the vehicle, just stand beside it and don’t stay in your vehicle. Leave your car only if it’s a safe place.
Always note your vehicle’s location; locate for the main exist. Go ahead and note land marks such as service stations, shopping centers, restaurants and the business complexes. You have to remember the last exist name or a numbered sign near your location since this will help you when calling for assistance.
Evaluate your vehicle’s operating problem, did you hear any noises, experience weird car responses, nor note smoke coming from under the hood. In case you are going to get out of the vehicle to evaluate the situation; look carefully for the oncoming traffic especially during night time. Move out of the vehicle from the side way from traffic, always don’t stand behind or in front of your car since you might be knocked by the drivers who might not see you.
Always make your vehicle visible to be able to alert other drivers; turn on the emergency flashers most especially at night or in bad weather. Put up your vehicle’s hood and in case you have a bright hand kerchief, a light jacket, scarf, get to tie it to the antenna or door handle or you can hold it by trying to close the window.
Try to communicate your situation; once you are in a safe location, try calling police since they will advise on what to do. After this, call any family member and advise them of your circumstances and location.
Remember to call for road side assistance and inform the operator; when you make the call, offer the phone number where you can be reached, tell your location, the type of your problem and try to explain the circumstances that might need special care like transport considerations, the large number of passengers, the rare vehicles, infants as well as medical needs.
You must know your rights and responsibilities; this is your responsibility to understand what services your road assistance or the insurance policy will cover automatically. And in case you decide to exit the vehicle, stay away from the oncoming traffic and always exit through the side of the car that is facing away from traffic. Also be aware of your surroundings and remember to carry a flash light with you especially at night.
And in case you choose to stay in your vehicle; keep the windows and doors locked, remember not to leave the engine running for longer periods since this could put you at a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Call police in case you are threatened by any stranger or honk the horn repeatedly and flash to attract the attention of other vehicles.
