105,947 BREAKDOWNS TO TAKE PLACE THIS HALF TERM
- Green Flag predicts over ten breakdowns a minute on Britain’s roads during the October half term
- Around 15,000 flat or faulty batteries will delay journeys
- There will be over ten breakdowns a minute on Britain’s roads
- Around one puncture per minute will take place
As drivers up and down the country prepare to hit the roads for the last half term before the Christmas break, data[i] from national breakdown cover provider Green Flag predicts that battery problems, punctures and engine faults will be the biggest causes of misery for more than 100,000 drivers expected to break down this October half term.
A staggering 15,000 flat or faulty batteries are likely to cause havoc during the week that ends with the clocks going back, with one puncture a minute (9,171) expected to take place on Britain's roads.
Green Flag has released this data to encourage people to check their cars before they travel. To give families the best chance of getting to their destination no matter what, Green Flag is encouraging customers to download its new Green Flag Alert Me app which monitors cars' engines and batteries to alert drivers with any faults before a breakdown occurs.
Although many of the events are caused by car faults, some events will be caused be a moment of absent-mindedness with over 1,000 (1,270) Brits locking their keys in their car and nearly six drivers breaking down every hour due to misfueling.
According to Green Flag, the four most common causes of October half term breakdowns (24th October – 3rd November) are:
- Battery faults – 15,064
- Punctures – 9,171
- Engine failure – 5,329
Nick Reid, head of rescue at Green Flag, commented: "During the half term, as the nights get darker, families across the country will be getting in their cars for the last trip away before the Christmas break. It's therefore no surprise that a high number of breakdowns are likely to occur - however, the majority of these breakdowns are avoidable if people take the time to check their cars before hitting the roads.
"Before setting off on your journey check your water and oil level and make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure and there's no discern-able wear on them. If it’s been a while since your vehicle’s last
service, or if you're contemplating a long journey, have your local garage check your brakes and test your battery. It’s better to take preventative action before you set off, than add delays to your holiday with an unwanted breakdown.
"Our new Green Flag Alert Me service monitors drivers' car batteries and engine systems and alerts them if there's a fault – aiming to help drivers predict a breakdown before it's even happened."
In order to give Brits travelling during the half term the best chance of getting to their destination no matter what, Green Flag has also prepared some hints and tips on how to avoid and prepare for breakdowns before you set off on the road:
- Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential trouble, especially tyres and lights
- Check tyre pressures, spare included
- Check all fluid levels and top up if necessary
- Make sure you have breakdown cover. If you’re travelling abroad make sure your cover extends to your trip away. If it doesn’t, you may need to arrange additional cover
- Keep a road map in the car so you’ll be able to explain where you are when you call for help. Don’t rely on the map on your phone – you won’t always have signal
- Keep some coins or a phone card in the car in case you need to call for help and there’s no mobile phone signal
- Make sure your phone battery is topped up – think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it
- Have the number for your emergency breakdown provider handy – you’ll usually find it on your policy certificate so you could keep this in the glove box
- Carry a red warning triangle at all times
- Always keep spare clothes, water and food in the car in case you get stuck for a long period of time
For more information about how to make sure your car is road-ready, visit www.greenflag.com
For more information about Green Flag AlertMe, visit https://www.greenflag.com/apps/alert-me
A full set of hints and tips can be found here: http://www.greenflag.com/help/drivingguide-what-to-do-in-a-breakdown.html
-END-
For further information please contact the Green Flag press office at Frank
0207 693 6999/ [email protected]
Notes to Editors:
About Green Flag
With over 40 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required).
Green Flag Motoring Assistance is underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Green Flag and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com
References:
Green Flag internal data. Predictions are based on average data breakdown collected from 24th October – 3rd November 2014, nationally weighted.
Lucy Davies
Brand PR Manager
Direct Line Group
Tel: 01651 834446
Mob: 07759 635919
Email: [email protected]