Crisis-Ready Society
Scenarios / Health, home & road

Stranded in the desert or car breakdown

A breakdown on a busy road or a remote desert track can quickly become dangerous, especially in extreme heat. This page helps you prepare your car, stay safe while you wait and get help to find you.

Sensible basic preparation
In the UAEAbu Dhabi Police advise against venturing far into the desert; if you go, share your location and carry GPS.[5]

Before

  • Keep an emergency kit in the car in case you get stranded.[1]
  • Check tyres, lights, brakes, wipers and fluid levels regularly.[3]
  • Keep your fuel tank well filled.[1]
  • Check weather and road conditions before setting off.[1]
  • Avoid going deep into the desert; if you do, share your location and carry GPS.[5]
  • Never leave children or pets alone in a closed car on a hot day.[6]

During

  • Move the car off the road if you can and switch on hazard lights.[2]
  • Get out on the side away from traffic and stand clear of the vehicle.[2]
  • If you cannot get out safely, stay belted in with hazards on and call police.[2]
  • UK Highway Code: place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the car, never on a motorway. Follow local road rules elsewhere.[2]
  • In dust or poor visibility, pull over to the right and avoid stopping under trees or billboards.[4]
  • Call for help and give your location; in the UAE dial 999.[7]
  • In heat, seek shade, sip water and watch for dizziness, cramps or confusion.[6]

After

  • Call an ambulance immediately if anyone shows signs of heat stroke.[6]
  • Cool an overheated person in shade with wet cloths on neck, armpits and groin.[6]
  • Do not try repairs on a motorway.[2]
  • Replace used or expired items in your car kit.[8]

Watch

Short how-to videos for this topic are being added to our channel.
Watch Crisis-Ready Society on YouTube

Official sources

  1. Ready.gov (FEMA): Car Safety
  2. GOV.UK: The Highway Code: Breakdowns and incidents (274 to 287)
  3. GOV.UK: The Highway Code: Annex 6, vehicle maintenance, safety and security
  4. Abu Dhabi Police: Abu Dhabi Traffic Urges Drivers to Reduce Speed in Dusty Conditions
  5. Abu Dhabi Police: Tal Moreeb Race Participants to Practice in Designated Areas
  6. Ready.gov (FEMA): Extreme Heat
  7. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Handling emergencies
  8. Ready.gov (FEMA): Build A Kit

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.

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