Drivers issued urgent 'do not' warning after car crushed in shocking M6 crash

Drivers are being warned not to do one thing if they break down on the motorway. Staffordshire Police issued an alert to drivers who find themselves stranded on motorways across the Midlands.

It came after a vehicle was left crushed on the hard shoulder of the M6 in Staffordshire last night on Wednesday, November 27. Drivers are now being warned to make sure they get out of their vehicles if they break down.

You should not stay inside your vehicle and instead exit it on the left-hand side before waiting behind the safety barrier. Staffordshire Police's road crime team shared a shocking photo of the damage to highlight the danger.

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Staffordshire Police said: "This is a prime example why you do not sit within your vehicle if you break down on the motorway. Last night (November 27) @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."

Sergeant Chris Sweetmore, from the road crime team's 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 to driver. They said:

• 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