May bank holiday mayhem: 22 breakdowns per minute expected over the weekend

• 161, 445 breakdowns expected to occur on UK roads this weekend as drivers head off for the bank holiday weekend
• Green Flag is predicting 22 breakdowns every minute between Friday and Tuesday
• Green Flag is urging drivers to check their cars before making long journeys
• Find out more at www.greenflag.com

With May Bank Holiday approaching, and families across the UK preparing to head off for the weekend, breakdown cover provider, Green Flag, is predicting up to a 33 per cent increase in the average number of breakdowns and incidents to occur on UK roads between Friday and Tuesday.

With drivers keen to take advantage of the long weekend, and a surge in cars on the road, Green Flag is forecasting up to 161,445 breakdowns and 88,854 incidents between Friday and Tuesday across the UK, which translates to 22 breakdowns every minute over the three days*. 

Simon Henrick at Green Flag said: “The May Bank Holiday is a busy time on the roads as families venture off for the weekend on often lengthy car journeys, meaning congested roads and longer journey times This can put a strain on both those travelling and their vehicles.

“At Green Flag, we want drivers to minimise the stress of their journey, stay safe when driving and avoid breakdowns. Several problems can be prevented by a thorough inspection of your vehicle before setting off on a long journey.”

To help drivers reach their destinations safely this May Bank Holiday, Green Flag has provided the following common sense tips for staying safe on the road:

Common sense safe driving tips:

1. Walk around the car and look for any signs of potential trouble, especially tyres and lights
2. Check tyre pressures, and that a spare is included
3. Check all fluid levels and top up if necessary
4. 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 separate cover
5. 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
6. Make sure your phone battery is topped up– think about buying an in-car charger just in case you need it
7. 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
8. Carry a red warning triangle at all times
9. Always keep some water and snacks in the car, in case you get stuck for a long time

For more information about how to make sure your car is road ready visit www.greenflag.com

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Notes to Editors:

*Stats based on internal data weighted to market share.

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