Ford Focus ploughed into in A13 Stanford-le-Hope crash

Officers were called to a car breakdown on the A13, in Stanford-le-Hope, on Saturday. However, before police could get there, a crash took place when a van smashed into the rear of the Ford Focus. Now, Essex Police has offered safety advice ahead of one of the busiest weekends for people travelling as part of their Christmas plans.

Sergeant Will Willsher, roads policing officer, said: “Thankfully, the driver of the car was completely unharmed because he got out of his car and waited for assistance in a safe place, and called 999 to warn other motorists. “The image shows the impact of the collision, but this could have been worse if the driver had remained in the car. “If your vehicle breaks down on a major road – known as fast roads – ‘go left’.

That means once you know your car is in trouble, take action to ensure you and your passengers’ safety.”

The following advice to drivers has been provided by Essex Police:

• In the case of your warning light activating, don’t ignore it
• Leave at the next exit or pull into a layby or emergency refuge area if you can.
• If possible, switch on your hazard warning lights.
• If it is safe to do so, exit your car on the side away from the traffic.
• Stand behind the safety barrier, well back and “upstream” of where your car is, so should anyone hit it, you aren’t hit by the car or debris from it.
• Don’t try to place a warning triangle behind your car or attempt any repairs, as passing traffic poses a risk.
• Call for assistance as quickly as possible.

If a driver or their passenger has a disability, or is vulnerable through age or travelling alone, and cannot follow the advice, they are urged to call 999 immediately, stay in their car, keep their seatbelt on and turn on their hazard warning lights.

The operator should be informed the motorist has a disability or is vulnerable so they can assist.