The survey also showed that the majority of people would stand in a dangerous area while waiting for a breakdown service to arrive.
Only 41 per cent of drivers said they would stand at the safest place, which is over the barrier well past the boot of the broken down vehicle towards the direction the traffic is coming.
Conversely, more than a fifth of drivers, one in five, said they would stand in the most lethal place, which is diagonally in front of the broken down car past its bonnet.
The AA said this is because in the event that an oncoming vehicle hits their stationary car, this is the area it is mostly likely to flip onto and crush them.
Sean Sidley, AA patrol of the year, said: “As ERAs are set back from traffic and are safer, drivers should not be tempted to sit in the car and wait for help. Getting out of the car, via the left-hand door, getting behind the barrier where there is one, still offers extra protection.
He added: “Breaking down on a motorway is a scary experience and drivers can make things worse by waiting in the wrong place. Should the car be hit, the force of the collision could prove fatal.”
AA advice for people who have broken down is the safest place to be after reaching a hard shoulder is outside of their vehicle.
They are urged to use the passenger doors nearest the barrier to exit and then to get behind any barrier and move up any bank where possible.
Prepare for possible breakdowns
The motoring service does urge drivers to leave any animals in the car and to put a high-vis jacket on if they can.
Drivers have also been urged to prepare for possible motorway breakdowns before they head off on long journeys.
Mr Sidley said: “As we head into the depths of winter with more cold, wet and dark conditions, there is a temptation to wait in the car. Keeping a coat, hat, gloves, water, high energy snacks and a fluorescent vest in the car for you and your passengers can be a saving grace.
“Most breakdowns can be prevented, so it is important to check your vehicle over before setting off. Making sure you have enough fuel or electric charge in the car, undamaged tyres, along with good oil and coolant levels, will help prevent most faults.”
