Unprepared motorists could see themselves stranded on busy Bank Holiday roads this weekend because they don’t carry the right equipment in the car, new research reveals today.
Unprepared motorists could see themselves stranded on busy Bank Holiday roads this weekend because they don’t carry the right equipment in the car, new research reveals today.
And if they do break down, topping the poll of the person they’d most like to be stuck in the car with is motor mouth Jeremy Clarkson.
Car enthusiast Clarkson beat Aussie pop princess Kylie Minogue and Formula One ace Michael Schumacher to take the crown of most desired companion on the roads.
Motorists told researchers for Norwich Union Rescue that they’re more likely to have something in their car that they could go to the toilet in rather than carrying a spare tyre, car jack or even spare petrol.
Yet motorists would rather speak in public, attend a job interview or visit the dentist than spend time stranded on the roadside requiring assistance.
Norwich Union’s ‘Rescue Report’, which spoke to more than 600 adult drivers, shows that more than half have required roadside assistance. Yet despite these numbers of people who have experienced a breakdown, many are still unprepared and don’t carry the right equipment in their car.
Shirley Gabriel, of Norwich Union Rescue, said: "British motorists are ill-equipped to deal with a breakdown and yet when it happens, it’s a very frustrating and frightening experience.
"But what’s reassuring is that despite not always having the right equipment in their cars to assist in a breakdown, two-thirds of people do put up a hazard triangle on the road to warn other motorists and more than half say they would get out of the car when broken down on a motorway."
To help motorists this Bank Holiday weekend, Norwich Union Rescue has produced its top tips to help in a breakdown:
- move your vehicle off the road – you should try and ensure your vehicle is not obstructing or endangering other road users
- warn other road users – if possible, put your hazard lights on and if carried place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle on the same side of the road
- get out of your vehicle – use the door nearest to the curb
- phone for assistance – if you don’t have a mobile phone to call for help, use the emergency phones found on some major roads
- for added personal safety on a motorway, remember to ensure all passengers are kept away from the carriageway and stand on the far side of the hard shoulder barrier.
Norwich Union Rescue, the insurer’s breakdown assistance service, is available for private car and van drivers whether they take out Norwich Union motor insurance or not.
As well as offering some creature comforts to motorists like hot or cold drinks while you wait for your vehicle to be mended, Norwich Union Rescue offers risk-based pricing so the customer pays a price for their breakdown cover which is tailored to their own circumstances. Prices start from Ł27.
Shirley Gabriel added: "Norwich Union Rescue will offer numerous benefits to make the stranded driver feel safe and cared for. These include the skills of highly trained patrolmen, the chance to talk to a phone operator until help arrives and a drink and biscuits while repairs are being carried out."
For more information about Norwich Union Rescue, call Norwich Union Direct on 08000 156156
-ends-
Media contacts:
Charlotte Ruddlesdin or Matt Buchanan at QBO Bell Pottinger on 020 7861 2424
Jenny Chapman at Norwich Union on 01603 682 264 or 07775 822 642
Notes to editors:
Top 10 celebrities we’d like to be broken down in the car with:
1. Jeremy Clarkson
2. Kylie Minogue
3. Michael Schumacher
4. David Beckham
5. Ricky Gervais
6. Jenson Button
7. Jennifer Lopez
8. Thierry Henry
9. Justin Timberlake
10. Kate Moss
Regional statistics available.
Norwich Union commissioned research with TNS amongst a representative sample of 650 British adults who are car drivers. Interviewing was conducted from 09th – 11th April 2004.
- Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer with a market share of around 14 per cent. With a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses, Norwich Union insures:
- one in five households
- one in seven motor vehicles
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