A night out for a couple turned into a nightmare when they had to stop alongside the road to change a flat tyre.

On March 14 at 19:05 the couple stopped on the old Ogies road to change the flat tyre when the situation turned into a traumatising experience.

Three men came out of the bushes beside them and pretended to help them.

One of the men allegedly pulled out a firearm and demanded their personal belongings.

The men fled the scene.

Arrive Alive shared the following tips when you have to change a tyre:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Find a safe place to pull over – this should be a flat, stable and safe place to change your tyre.
• If you’re on a busy road, be particularly wary of vehicles driving by that might get too close.
• Get as far off the road as possible – the further you can move away safely the better.
• Do not park the car where you leave yourself exposed to passing traffic while working.
• Don’t try to change a wheel on soft, loose or uneven ground.
• You need a solid, level surface that will restrict the car from rolling or collapsing off the jack.
• Don’t attempt to change your tyre on a hill –the car may roll and visibility of other road users may be restricted.
• Don’t park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars can’t see you.
• Shut off your engine and engage the parking brake.
• Put the car into ‘park’ position – if you have a standard transmission, put your vehicle in first or reverse.
• Turn on your emergency flashers (hazard lights).
• Don’t try to change a wheel with adult passengers still in the car.
• Move everyone to a place of safety, well away from the vehicle and road surface.
• Be careful of small children running around out of sight – they may need to be kept buckled in within the car.
• Secure the keys to your car safely in your pocket.
• Place the emergency warning triangle or traffic cone at a safe distance behind your vehicle to warn approaching vehicles of your presence at roadside.
• Don’t step out onto the road.
• If it’s dark, you’re unsure if you can change it yourself, or you’re a female travelling alone it might be a good idea to call for roadside assistance anyway.

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