Research shows the same recurring
problems have caused vehicle breakdowns during the months of
February and March on National Highways’ motorways and A-roads
over a three-year period.
Tyre issues top the table for
breakdowns during those months with 5,934 incidents in 2021,
7,095 in 2022 and 7,762 last year.
Problems with tyres range from
punctures, emergency brake damage and driving at speed - which
increases the risk of damage and misalignment. Wear and tear is
also a factor - if the tread depth is below 1.6mm you cannot
legally drive on the roads and must have your tyres replaced.
National Highways has tips to check your tyres here.
Driving with under inflated tyres
(even as little as 10%):
-
Makes your braking distance
longer
-
Can make your vehicle harder to
steer
-
Uses more
fuel
-
Shortens the lifespan of your
tyres
Loss of power and an empty fuel tank
make up the top three reasons why people broke down on motorways
and A-roads in England during the same periods between 2022 and
2023.
The figures are revealed as National
Highways launches its spring TRIP campaign to encourage drivers
to plan their journey in advance, including carrying out all
necessary vehicle checks as well as factoring in rest stops
before they set of on any long or significant
journey.
The acronym TRIP stands for: Top-up –
fuel, water and oil; Rest – every two hours; Inspect – tyres and
lights and Prepare – plan your journey ahead and check the
traffic and weather forecasts.
The spring awareness campaign is
running from this week (Feb19) to April 7, covering the Easter
holiday period and encouraging motorists not to be complacent on
the roads in the spring following winter weather conditions. The
campaign aims to reach all road users but with a specific focus
on families and young drivers who are looking at an Easter
getaway.
Paul Beecher, National Network Manager
at National Highways said: “TRIP is a long-term road safety
campaign which helps drivers to prepare for long journeys
especially during holiday seasons.
“The last thing any of us want is to
break down with our family in the car with all the expense and
worry that can cause, when a few checks before a big trip can
save that hassle.
“Our advice is simple; a few basic
checks before you set-off can make the world of difference. The
acronym TRIP is just about trying to drive that message
home.”
Figures also showed ‘loss of power’
was responsible for 2,230 breakdowns between February and March
in 2021, 2,920 during the same period in 2022 and 3,052 last
year.
An empty fuel tank was responsible for
918 breakdowns between February and March in 2021, 1,149 during
the same period in 2022 and 1,001 breakdowns last
year.
Engine failure and clutch or gear
problems make up the top five causes of breakdowns during the
same periods.
Other causes of breakdowns between
February and March over the last three years included electrics,
batteries, overheating and brakes.
National Highways is responsible for
operating, maintaining and improving 4,500 miles of England’s
motorways and major A-roads, linking towns, cities, ports and
airports, and aims to get people to where they need to be on time
– safely and reliably.
