Warning to all drivers as car left a mangled wreck on M6 in Stoke-on-Trent

Drivers are being warned not to stay in their cars should they break down on the motorway. The alert comes after a vehicle was left a mangled wreck on the M6 hard shoulder in Staffordshire last night (November 28).

Staffordshire's newly-formed Road Crime Team shared a startling photo of the damage to highlight the danger. All occupants should instead get out of the vehicle on the left-hand side and wait behind the safety barrier.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "This is a prime example why you do not sit within your vehicle if you break down on the motorway. Last night @StaffsRCT attended a RTC on the M6 where there were no injuries. Should the occupants have been sitting within the vehicle, it would have been a very different story."

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Sergeant Chris Sweetmore, from the road crime teams serious collision investigation unit, said: “Failing to follow the right procedure in the event of a sudden breakdown significantly increases the chances of a collision happening, so understanding what to do is vital.

“It’s always best to be extra cautious, especially when you’re driving on busy motorways and main roads, to pull over safely if something doesn’t feel or sound right with your vehicle. Even if it’s nothing, trusting your gut might be the difference between breaking down in a dangerous lane or being in a place of safety.”

Staffordshire Police offered this advice:

• If you’re on a motorway or busy road and you break down in a live lane, you should put your hazards on immediately and call 999 as soon as possible.

• Only if it’s safe to do so, you should try to get out of the car using the passenger door and try to make your way behind the safety barrier. If you’re on a normal road, move away from the vehicle as much as you can.

• Don’t attempt to put out a warning triangle or see to the damage yourself.

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