149,000 Breakdowns expected during half term holidays

• 149,000 breakdowns are expected over the half term break, 25th October to 3rd November, equivalent to 10 every minute 
• Monday 28th October will be the busiest day of the week for incidents
• Green Flag provides tips to travel safely this half term

After a long first half term back at school, many parents and teachers are no doubt prepping for a relaxing and well-deserved half term break. However, with many heading off on excursions and staycations across the UK, the roads will likely be a lot busier than usual. Green Flag has revealed it expects there will be over 149,000¹ breakdowns over the half term period, equivalent to 10 every minute.

Green Flag also anticipates that Monday 28^th October will be the busiest day for incidents this half term, with most cars travelling on the first day of the holidays.

Katie Lomas, Managing Director at Green Flag, commented: “The October half term always sees more cars on the road as families head off on a well-earned late autumn break. With more cars on the roads, there is more potential for incident, so we’re urging drivers to ensure their vehicles are road ready before embarking on long journeys. We know that many breakdowns are avoidable if the proper care is taken before and during a trip, so it’s important to inspect your car before leaving home and to take care on the roads when driving.”

To help combat breakdowns and the inevitable half-term rush, Green Flag is providing drivers with its top tips to road safety:

1.      Check traffic before you travel. Green Flag suggests you check for traffic before you set off, then you can plan your route, avoid the queues, and stay safe on the road. This is particularly important on Monday 28^th October, as we’re expecting that to be the busiest day of the week.

2.      Watch out for bad weather. Summer is long gone now, so check the weather for heavy rain and/or high winds before you travel. If possible, time your journey to avoid bad weather to make the drive a little easier.

3.      Be prepared. You never know what you might need for your journey, so it’s always wise to be prepared. Keep spare water, food and even a couple of blankets in your car as a ‘breakdown kit’, just in case.

4.      Plan and take breaks. If you’re travelling far over the half term, make sure you take breaks to avoid tiredness. Try to plan stops into your route before you go, that way it’s easier to stick to them.

5.      Pre-journey car check. Tyre pressure, tyre treads, oil levels, washer liquid – make sure you give your car a full check over to ensure there are no issues that could cause an accident.

6.      Always stay calm. We all know driving can get stressful, but it’s important you keep calm while driving, as stress can lead to mistakes. Make sure you’ve sorted out breakdown cover before you travel for extra peace of mind.

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors:

 1 Figures based on Green Flag internal data from the October half term in 2023, weighted to market share

For further information please contact:

Unni Henry

PR Manager

Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

For further information please contact:

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