Safety
When the vehicle may be unsafe to drive
Safety comes before building the perfect case.
What to do, in order
- For an immediate hazard, crash, smoke or fire, get to safety and call emergency services as appropriate. Do not continue driving to test unexpected braking, loss of propulsion or steering problems.
- Contact roadside assistance or the dealer to arrange safe transportation. Request an inspection and written advice about operation; this guide cannot determine whether your vehicle is safe.
- Record the event after you are safe: time, location, speed if known, road and weather, alerts, injury or damage, and witnesses. Preserve original photos and reports.
- Report a possible safety defect to NHTSA with a factual account. Save the complaint number and provide it to your case owner.
- If a crash, injury or fire occurred, contact your insurer and an attorney promptly. Preserve the vehicle and evidence; coordinate inspections before destructive testing when possible.
What you can say
“On [date], the vehicle [specific event]. I am concerned about safe operation. Please arrange an inspection and advise in writing whether it should be driven or transported.”
What to watch for
Never recreate a dangerous event for a video. Do not hide injuries or accidents to fit an arbitration program.
Your next step
Open the roadside and NHTSA contacts.
Sources and scope · Reviewed October 8, 2026. Practical scripts and sequencing are editorial suggestions, not GM policy.
Cadillac: roadside assistance ↗Report a vehicle safety problem ↗Recall, complaint and bulletin research ↗See source notes and limitations →These steps are suggested consumer practices. Follow case-specific instructions, state requirements and your attorney’s advice when they apply.