Car trouble while on a busy roadway can put you and other drivers at risk.

Your car breaking down on a busy highway or interstate not only puts you at risk, but other drivers as well.

The tips below can help keep you and your passengers safe if your car breaks down while on the road:

Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers as soon as you sense something's wrong. Keep them on until help arrives, recommends the National Motorists Association.

At the first sign of car trouble, gently and smoothly take your foot off the accelerator. Do not brake hard or suddenly. Carefully move your vehicle toward the side of the road. If you are on an interstate, try to reach an exit. Signal your intentions to drivers behind you. If it is necessary to change lanes, watch your mirrors and the traffic around you closely.

Pull your emergency brake, and if you have to park on a hill or slope, turn the car's wheels away from the road to help prevent the car from rolling into traffic, says the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

If you're on a highway or busy road, Insurance Information Institute recommends that you never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine the damage. Get the vehicle to a safe place before getting out. If you've been involved in an accident, motion the other driver to pull up to a safe spot ahead.

Once you're safely out of the vehicle, prop up your hood to let other drivers know they should proceed with caution. You can also place triangles with reflectors behind your car to alert other drivers, according to Insurance Information Institute.

If you are not able to find a good place to stop, contact help using your cellphone or in-car service. Do not try to flag down other vehicles - doing this on a high-speed road with no shoulder could result in a larger accident. If you're in an emergency situation, or are not sure who to contact, call 911 or the local police for help, says the National Motorists Association.

Nationwide recommends you be prepared for a car breakdown by keeping these items in your car:

Cellphone with charger

Notebook and pencil

Extra medications

Vehicle operating manual

Emergency service info, such as phone numbers - CLICK HERE for a list of numbers for your contact list

Flashlight and extra batteries (these should be checked often)

Drinking water and preserved food

Jumper cables

Tire-pressure gauge

Reflectors or flares

Signal flag or reflective vest or scarf

Windshield-washer fluid and wiping cloth

Coolant

Fire extinguisher

Ice scraper, snow brush, snow shovel and cat litter, in lieu of sand, where needed

Heavy gloves

Thermal or safety blanket

A chemical heat source such as hand warmers

Candles and waterproof matches

Jack and a flat board for soft surfaces

Lug wrench for changing flats

Toolkit with screwdriver, pliers, duct tape and adjustable wrench

Umbrella

Extra fuses and fan/alternator belt

First-aid kit

Also, consider buying a spare tire if one didn’t come with the car