What should you do if your car breaks down on a highway at night?

When a vehicle breaks down on a highway at night, it is crucial to ensure safety and increase visibility to other drivers. Raising the hood of the vehicle signals to other drivers that there is an issue with the car, while tying a white handkerchief to the left door handle can serve as a visual signal for assistance. This is a commonly recognized method for indicating that a vehicle is in distress.

Additionally, switching on the parking lights enhances the visibility of the vehicle, alerting other drivers to its presence, which is especially important at night when it might be harder to see the vehicle. The combination of these two actions helps to create a safer environment by notifying both passing drivers of the breakdown and providing a clearer indication for those who may want to assist.

By utilizing both methods, the driver maximizes their visibility and signals for help effectively, making "raise the hood and switch on the parking lights" the proper course of action.