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Commuter crisis as two million* motorists break down during rush hour |
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Written by Donna Francis
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Monday, 11 February 2008 |
Research figures on breakdowns in the UK.
- One in seven (15%) breakdowns happen during rush hour
- Over a third (37%) of breakdowns occur at home leaving drivers stranded on their driveways
- More than one in seven (16%) breakdowns take place with young children in the car
Brits are suffering a commuter crisis as new research reveals one in seven (15%) breakdowns happen between the rush hours of 7am and 9am, leaving school-run mums stranded and the nation’s employees late for work. The research, by breakdown specialist Green Flag, reveals 4.8 million stalled motorists** (37%) don’t even get as far as the end of their driveway, resulting in frustration for millions every year. Of the 12.9 million drivers*** who have broken down in the past two years, one in eight (12%) have done so at the office, causing stress and major delay to their drive home from work. A quarter of men’s breakdowns (25%) struck during their commute to work or on their way to a business meeting. Women have proven a quick trip to the shops is no easy ride either, with nearly one in four (22%) running into car trouble en route. The top five locations for car breakdowns are: - At home (37%)
- While commuting to work or a business meeting (21%)
- On the way to visit friends or family (18%)
- During a trip to the shops (17%)
- At work (12%)
A breakdown can also leave motorists trapped in their car or at risk of other road dangers until help arrives. A fifth (21%) of those surveyed were in a situation where it was unsafe to leave the car, one in six (16%) had young children with them and over one in twenty (6%) had a passenger in the vehicle who had difficulty walking. A third of women who have broken down (32%) admitted to feeling tense while waiting for help to arrive. Frances Browning, spokesperson for Green Flag, said: “Most of us lead busy lives with various work and family commitments, and there is nothing more boring and wasteful than being stuck waiting for help – particularly when we’re pressed for time during the working week rush hour. “When breaking down there will unfortunately be some waiting time, but having breakdown cover can help ensure a recovery vehicle arrives speedily and the wait is as short and pain-free as possible.”Over one in four (28%) motorists who have broken down complained of a flat battery or the engine not starting as being the main cause of their car failing. A further 15% found a puncture decreased the chance of them getting to their destination on time. The top five breakdown causes that make Brits blow a gasket are: - Flat battery (18%)
- Flat tyre (15%)
- Engine won’t start (10%)
- Other electrical failures (9%)
- Overheating (6%)
For further information about our breakdown cover please log onto: www.greenflag.com Contact: Frances Browning at RBS Insurance on 020 8313 5965 or email
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Kate Ellis at RBS Insurance on 07833 166717 or email
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Vicky Perry at Lansons Communications on 020 7566 9708 or email
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Susanna Walker-Robson at Lansons Communications on 020 7294 3665 or email
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