Logistics & Installation · SOP

Fleet Vehicle Emergency Roadside Breakdown Protocol

A standardized procedure for drivers and field technicians to safely respond to a vehicle breakdown on public roads or highways. Covers scene assessment, hazard control, mechanical triage, dispatch communication, and vehicle recovery.

Estimated Time

30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Regulation

CSA Z432 / WorkSafeBC

Version

1.0

Free download — no sign‑up, no email.Take this SOP to your shop floor and make it yours.

↓ PDF (print‑ready) ↓ Word (editable)

Purpose

To provide all fleet vehicle operators with a clear, actionable protocol for managing a roadside breakdown while minimizing risk to personnel, the public, and company assets. This procedure ensures consistent response times, reduces secondary incidents, and streamlines coordination with dispatch and recovery services.

Scope

This SOP applies to all fleet vehicles (light‑duty vans, pickups, cargo vans, and service trucks) operated by the field services, logistics, and installation departments. It covers breakdowns on public roads, highways, and private industrial sites accessed by company vehicles. Non‑fleet personal vehicles and leased rentals are excluded.

Safety Precautions

PPEWear Class 2 or 3 hi‑visibility vest, hard hat, and work gloves before exiting the vehicle. Steel‑toed boots recommended.
HZRDSet up reflective triangles and/or LED flares at mandated distances (15 m urban, 30 m highway, 60 m third). Never work on the traffic‑side of the vehicle without a safety buffer zone.
FIREIf you smell fuel or see smoke, do not open the hood. Move to a safe distance ≥50 m uphill/upwind and call 911 immediately.
LOTODo not attempt repairs on engine, brakes, or transmission on the roadside. Only change tires if the jack can be placed on solid, level ground and the vehicle is stable.
COMMAlways call dispatch before exiting the vehicle in a high‑traffic area. Keep a charged phone or two‑way radio on hand.

Required Tools & Materials

Reflective warning triangles (x3) or LED road flares
Hi‑visibility vest (Class 2 or 3) & hard hat
Vehicle jack, lug wrench, wheel chocks, work gloves
Fleet‑issued mobile phone or two‑way radio
First‑aid kit & vehicle fire extinguisher (BC rated)
Fleet emergency contact card with dispatch numbers
Tow strap / recovery chain (if equipped & rated)
Basic tool kit: socket set, vice grips, flashlight

Track Every Install and CapEx Project

Manage complex facility upgrades and logistics routes in one place. SiteQueue gives your operations manager total visibility over vendor timelines, installation milestones, and fleet dispatch.

Try SiteQueue →

Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Assess scene and ensure personal safety. Activate hazard lights immediately. Brake gently and coast to the nearest flat shoulder, away from traffic. Keep wheels straight or turned away from traffic, apply parking brake. Do not exit the vehicle until you have verified traffic is clear and you can safely open the door.

2 Set up warning devices. Don hi‑vis vest and hard hat. Place reflective triangles at 15 m behind vehicle (urban), 30 m behind (highway), and a third at 60 m. Use traffic cones to create a 2 m buffer zone around the driver’s side if working near live lanes.

3 Conduct rapid mechanical assessment. Visually inspect for: flat tire, fluid leaks (coolant, oil, fuel), steam/smoke, overheating. Use a flashlight to check under the vehicle; do not touch hot surfaces. If overheating, wait 10 min before opening the radiator cap.

4 Contact dispatch. Call fleet dispatch using the emergency number on your contact card. Provide: vehicle unit ID, precise location (kilometer marker / street address / lane direction), nature of problem, and number of occupants. Follow instructions – if life‑threatening, call 911 first.

5 Perform safe temporary repair (tire only) or call for tow. For a flat tire: chock wheels on both sides, loosen lug nuts (do not remove), use the vehicle jack on solid, level ground only. Replace with spare, tighten nuts in a star pattern, lower vehicle, verify pressure. For any other failure (engine, brake, electrical) – do NOT attempt roadside repair. Wait for a qualified tow truck. Secure loose cargo before towing.

6 Complete post‑recovery documentation. After the vehicle is recovered or repaired, photograph the scene and any damage. Fill out fleet incident report F‑IV‑007 within 24 hours. Include: timestamp, weather, road conditions, actions taken, and any costs incurred (towing, parts). Return all warning devices and tools to vehicle inventory.

Fleet Vehicle Emergency Roadside Breakdown Protocol

Track Every Install and CapEx Project

Software that works like your best tools.