29/05/2026
Following the death of a 22-year-old man on the Mitchell Freeway last weekend while attempting to put petrol in his vehicle, Main Roads wants to remind you how to stay safe if your car breaks down.
If you break down on a major road in Perth, you should move your vehicle to an emergency lane or the side of the road if you can. Then remain in your car with your seat belt on, turn your hazard lights on and call Main Roads on 138 138 for further advice.
"Don't get out of the vehicle, we'll try and get a resource out to you as soon as possible," Alex Hendrick, Real Time Traffic Operations Manager at Main Roads, told Mark Gibson on 102.5 ABC Perth.
If you find yourself obstructing traffic, Main Roads can help relocate your vehicle to a safer location. There is no cost for this 'safety' tow. From there, you can arrange further towing services to take your vehicle to another location.
"We do operate 24-7 and within the metropolitan area we've got quite good CCTV coverage so we're able to look at where people are, assess what's going on and try and get the resources assigned on a priority basis."
Main Roads manages the state's arterial road network, including the freeways, highways and major roads.
"Anything sort of over 70km an hour is more likely going to be one of our roads. But if you're unsure, still call 138 138… At worst, we'll try and put you in touch with the local council or try and give some guidance."
Mr Hendrick also recommends checking whether your insurance company offers free roadside assistance and saving that information in your phone.
As winter arrives, he says now is the time to maintain your vehicle.
"Check your tyres, if you have had engine problems, just go get it checked out because changing weather can affect things."
