Over half of UK drivers face breakdown anxiety

• The most stressful location to breakdown is on the motorway (35 per cent)
• The repair cost (31 per cent), being far from home (24 per cent) and location (23 per cent) are some of the main concerns when people do breakdown
• Green Flag is advising motorists to take precautions to avoid a motorway meltdown this summer

‘Breakdown anxiety,’ worrying their car could malfunction when driving, affects 24.5 million (59 per cent) motorists’ reveals new research¹ from breakdown provider Green Flag. Over a third (35 per cent) of drivers say their car experiencing a fault on the motorway is the most stressful breakdown scenario they could encounter, while a fifth (21 per cent) are most worried about their vehicle breaking down on a country road.

A car failing while on the way to catch a flight or train abroad is another leading cause of breakdown anxiety, with one in eight (12 per cent) drivers listing this as their highest stress scenario.

When people do breakdown, some of the main concerns are the repair costs (31 per cent), being far from home when the incident occurs (24 per cent) and the road location (23 per cent). Most drivers (58 per cent) when they breakdown are rescued by a specialist provider. A small amount are rescued by friends (8 per cent), a local garage (6 per cent) or partners (5 per cent).

Table one: Most stressful aspects of a breakdown 

Source: Green Flag 2022

Interestingly, of those who did not find a breakdown stressful, two-thirds (66 per cent) were rescued by their breakdown provider after the incident, highlighting the peace of mind provided by breakdown cover.

Katie Lomas, Head of Green Flag Breakdown, commented: “Breaking down can be a stressful situation for drivers, especially if it happens on a motorway or an isolated country road. It is vital drivers know what they should do in these scenarios. The most important thing is for the driver and any passengers to be safe, remain calm, and do their best to ensure their car does not cause a danger to other road users. Prevention is always better than cure and we know that many breakdowns are avoidable if proper care is taken before and during a trip.”

Green Flag recommends drivers follow these steps if breaking down on a motorway:

• Make sure you pull to the left as soon as there’s a hint of trouble: Pull onto the hard shoulder and use this to slow to a halt. Be careful not to run over any debris and as you come to a stop, switch your hazard lights straight on
• Aim for an emergency phone: These are at one-mile intervals and will connect you directly to the police who will instantly know your location
• Never try to fix it yourself: Whatever the problem with your car, you should never attempt to mend it yourself at the roadside
• When your car is stationary: Turn the front wheels towards the verge. If the car is shunted by another vehicle this will ensure it moves away from the carriageway rather than into it. If it’s dark or visibility is poor, turn your side lights on
• Get everyone out of the car: Leave the car through the left-hand doors and move away from the vehicle. If you have children with you make sure they’re being looked after by a responsible adult away from the roadside – potentially up the verge where possible.
• Don’t display your red warning triangle: With fast moving traffic the risks far outweigh the benefits of doing this
• Call for help: If you’re not near an emergency phone and you’ve got a mobile signal, ring either your breakdown provider or the police
• Wait near your car for assistance: Make sure your vehicle’s locked and you’re standing safely away from any moving traffic

ENDS

Notes to editors

¹     Research among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults by Opinium between 14^th – 17^th June 2022

For further information please contact:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Email: Chelsey.Wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Green Flag

With over 50 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 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