Drivers Lacking Confidence in Vehicle Checks Ahead of Busy Long Weekend

Strategic Insights -

A recent survey reveals that nearly 40% of drivers are uncertain or lack confidence in carrying out simple vehicle checks, despite over half of motorists planning to embark on long journeys during the upcoming weekend. National Highways and Kwik Fit are urging drivers to take necessary precautions to ensure their vehicles are safe and roadworthy, with over 48,000 breakdowns recorded on major A roads and motorways during May and June. The leading cause of these breakdowns was tyre defects, accounting for nearly one in five of all breakdowns.

Key Takeaways:

  • 35% of drivers admit they don't feel confident carrying out simple vehicle checks.
  • Over 58% of motorists are expected to travel during the long weekend.
  • National Highways and Kwik Fit are renewing calls for drivers to prepare their vehicles before setting off.
  • Tyre defects were a leading cause of breakdowns, accounting for nearly one in five (19%) of all breakdowns throughout the year.
  • Only 13% of drivers check their tyre tread and just 16% check tyre pressure before embarking on a long journey.
  • The ongoing T.R.I.P. campaign aims to educate drivers on essential pre-journey checks.
  • Sheena Hague, National Highways' Director of Road Safety, emphasized the importance of preparation, highlighting that a significant number of breakdowns can be prevented by simple checks.
  • Dan Joyce, Operations Director at Kwik Fit, added that the organisation's free Car Care Evenings are designed to help drivers gain hands-on experience and build confidence in maintaining their vehicles.
  • The free Car Care Evenings are available in both mixed and women-only formats and are offered to bridge the knowledge gap among drivers.
  • The sessions are designed to help drivers gain hands-on experience and build confidence in maintaining their vehicles.
  • A lack of knowledge and concerns about safety are the main reasons behind the uncertainty among drivers.

Statistics:

  • 35% of drivers admit they don't feel confident carrying out simple vehicle checks.
  • Over 58% of motorists are expected to travel during the long weekend.
  • 48,000 breakdowns were recorded on major A roads and motorways during May and June.
  • Tyre defects accounted for 19% of all breakdowns throughout the year.
  • Only 13% of drivers check their tyre tread.
  • Just 16% of drivers check their tyre pressure before embarking on a long journey.

Sources:

  • [Mentioned in the text, Kwik Fit: https://kwik-fit.com]
  • [Mentioned in the text, National Highways: https://nationalhighways.co.uk]