Drivers are being urged to make sure they have enough fuel for
their journey before heading out on England’s busiest roads to
reduce the risk of unnecessary breakdowns.
With thousands of breakdowns each year due to vehicles running
out fuel, National Highways is reminding road users to be aware
of this and take no chances when filling up is involved, despite
any understandable hesitancy caused by the recent increase in the
cost of living.
Last year, over 6,000 fuel-related breakdowns were registered on
the strategic road network, which represents around 3% of all
breakdowns in that period. While this is still a comparatively
low figure, many of these instances are preventable with the
appropriate knowledge and actions taken.
National Highways will soon be trialling a new ‘running out of
fuel prevention programme’, which will study a specific section
of motorway where breakdowns are comparatively common to
ascertain why this happens and how it can be
rectified.
It is hoped that the knowledge gained from this programme will
inform future decisions regarding how to limit the number of
drivers running out of fuel unexpectedly.
The figures were released as National Highways launched the next
phase of its breakdown campaign which reminds motorists to “go
left” if their vehicle develops a fault on the strategic road
network.
Jeremy Phillips, Head of Road User Safety at National Highways,
said:
“There are around four million journeys travelled on National
Highways’ roads every single day so breakdowns are quite rare.
However, we do know that it can be very distressing for drivers
who experience one and stationary vehicles can represent a
serious risk to those around them.
“Running out of fuel is already responsible for thousands of
issues on our network each year and we understand how the rise in
the cost of living could lead to some motorists taking risks with
the fuel they need for their journey. However, it’s vital that
motorists start their journey only if they have sufficient fuel
to complete it.
“Also, we know that some breakdowns can’t always be predicted and
by making sure people know what to do if they break down, we
believe drivers will feel more confident and have more
control.”
This latest push represents a continuation of National Highways’
biggest ever campaign to help people know what to do in an
emergency and to feel safer when driving.
Breakdowns can have serious impacts on not only the physical and
mental health and safety of road users, but also the efficiency
and effectiveness of the network as a whole. Fortunately, many
breakdowns are preventable, and National Highways is committed to
providing even more information to drivers to help them feel safe
and be safer on all our roads.
A multi-million pound public information campaign, supported by
partners across the recovery and breakdown industry, was launched
in 2021 to provide advice to drivers on what to do in the event
of a breakdown on a high-speed road.
Following three successful phases over the last 18 months, the
latest tranche of the campaign will be taking place throughout
August. This will see a range of communications material released
across a number of platforms, to raise awareness of best practice
regarding road safety.
There will also be guidance on how to avoid breaking down by
carrying out basic vehicle checks.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS ISSUES CLEAR ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO IF
YOUR VEHICLE DEVELOPS A FAULT ON MOTORWAYS AND MAJOR
A-ROADS.
If your vehicle has a problem, or you get into trouble on
a motorway, stay calm and try to exit at the next junction or
motorway service area. If that’s not possible:
- Put your left indicators on.
- Move into the left lane.
- Enter the next emergency area, or hard shoulder.
- Put your hazard lights on.
- Get behind a safety barrier where there is one - keep well
away from moving traffic.
- Call National Highways on 0300 123
5000, then a breakdown provider for help.
For further advice about motorway driving and what to do in a
breakdown visit:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/how-to-drive-on-smart-motorways/
