- AA patrols attended more than 98k motorway breakdowns in 2021
- 10,000 drivers joined in a dangerous location
- Think FLOWER and check the basics
- 1/3rd off membership until 31 January
Ten thousand drivers broke down on motorways last year and
immediately joined the AA as they had no cover.
Nearly 10% of all of the UK’s leading breakdown provider’s
motorway jobs were for people who only bought breakdown cover in
their hour of need. Adding more tension and expense to an already
stressful situation.
Drivers who breakdown on motorways and require towing away
without breakdown cover currently pay National Highways £150*,
however the Home Office are reviewing these costs as they were
originally set in 2008.
Arranging breakdown cover is simple to
do and helps save time and money, and the AA is currently
offering one third off annual membership**. Drivers can also make
savings by purchasing roadside assistance ahead of time rather
than buying and requesting immediate help.
Many of the 10,000 daily breakdowns the AA attends across Britain
are avoidable by carrying out regular vehicle checks. Following
the AA’s handy FLOWER acronym can help you to
remember what to check***.
-
Fuel
-
Lights
-
Oil
-
Water
-
Electrics
-
Rubber
Edmund King, AA president, said: “Too many drivers have had an
avoidable breakdown in a dangerous location. While we are always
there to help, buying cover at the roadside adds unnecessary
stress and expense to an already tense situation.
“Purchasing our cover gives you peace of mind for a whole year,
and our award winning five-star patrols**** will try and repair
your vehicles once you are in a place of safety.
“However, it is always best to prevent breaking down in the first
place, so checking your tyres, oil and fuel are easiest ways to
keep you safe.”
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
*https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/923205/Vehicle_Removal_Flyer_2020_digital.pdf
** AA| Get a 1/3 off
breakdown cover
*** Essential car maintenance
tips and checklist | The AA
**** https://www.theaa.com/about-us/newsroom/five-star-aa-named-which-recommended-provider-for-fourth-year-running
GENERAL MOTORWAY SAFETY ADVICE:
- Get to an emergency refuge area (ERA) or hard shoulder
- If you can’t get to an ERA and there is no hard shoulder, try
to get to the leftmost
lane. Switch on your hazard lights
- If it's safe, exit your car on the left and wait behind the
barrier
- If you break down in a live lane and can’t exit your car
safely, switch on your hazard lights, stay in the car with your
seat belt on and call 999
- If you can get to safety, call for help immediately (if
you’re an AA member call 0800 887766)
- See also; Broken down on the
motorway | What to do | The AA
